What are believed to be the oldest operating film studios in the country if not Europe are closing down.

The studios on the corner of Melbourne Road, Bushey, were built by the artist Sir Hubert Herkomer. The film company that has used the studios, Cygnet Ltd., is moving to new premises in High Wycombe.

At the same time, an even older building constructed by Herkomer on the other side of the road, the wooden barn with carved decorative work, has been sold and faces demolition to make way for flats.

The building, dating from 1886 and used by Herkomer’s students as a workplace, has been acquired by developers Audit and Genral Investment Ltd., of Highgate.

Outline planning premission has been granted for new offices to adjoin the existing studios site, and at the nearby Cloisters.

The use of the studios dates back to 1913 when Herkomer extended an existing chapel, equipping the building with a stage that revolved to correspond with the movements of the sun which shone in through the still existing glass roof.

The first film shown at the studios was, appropriately, The Woodcarver on April 14, 1914, for Herkomer had brought over to England his Bavarian father and grandfather who carved wood for his buildings.

In its more recent history, The Studios were used by Cygnet Guild Communications which went into receivership and were taken over by Biggs Communications Group, who renamed the firm Cygnet Ltd.

This week, furniture and equipment were being moved out of the studios to the new premises and there were only a few staff left.

Four principal staff are understood to be moving to the new premises including the director, Mr Nicholas Plunkett, who was not available for comment.

The company makes documentary films, videos and some commercials. It is understood that so far, there is no buyer for the premises.

The managing director of Audit and General Investments Ltd., Mr Harvey Selby, said the firm was considering demolishing the other Herkomer bulding, the barn, in view of the fact that it was not usable in any form.

He said any carvings would be offered to the Bushey Museum Trust.

“They can have any bits they want. There are parts they can keep in their museum,” said Mr Selby.

“We are discussing with them the carvings by Herkomer’s father. The barn as such will probably disappear.” It is believed to be one of three that once stood in the vicinity.

Senior partner Mr Peter Glover, at Glovers of Stanmore, the agents handling the development, said the barn was of some interest and might be moved to another site.

“Our clients are submitting plans at the moment for the use of the site as residential flats,” he said.

[From the Watford Observer of February 22, 1985]