Matthew Lanyon: No Holds Barred is an archive-led creative documentary film released in 2020 and co-directed by Judith Lanyon and Barbara Santi. This moving exploration of the artists’ life and legacy reveals that his reclusive, comedic disposition disguised a fierce dedication to art. The film explores Matthew’s deep relationship with Cornwall, the work and legacy of his father the renowned post-war painter, Peter Lanyon, and the strands of love, loss, time and sensuality that continually arise across his varied practice.

Told through the reflections of contemporaries including gallerist René Gimpel, writer, Michael Bird, and the artists’ close contemporaries and family, the film provides an unusually intimate insight into the world carved out by Matthew through his sustained productivity, physical labour, natural talents and the expansiveness of his mind which was never bound by convention. 

  • Barbara Santi is an award winning documentary filmmaker/producer using film and digital media for positive social change. She has made documentary films for Channel 4 and Carlton TV among others and toured the length and breadth of Cornwall promoting film in rural settings. Her first professional job was at the prestigious Working Title Films (1994 - 1997). She moved to West Cornwall in 1997. In 2006 she set up awen productions CIC with two other filmmakers. At the heart of her work is to raise under-represented people’s voices through film. Her current documentary, King for a Day, is being distributed by the accomplished DER (Documentary Educational Resources) in the USA, and screened at Tate St. Ives (2023)

  • Judith Lanyon Is Matthew’s wife and the Director of the Matthew Lanyon Archive. She has supported his art practice since 2009, writing about his life and art with his encouragement and organizing/curating exhibitions of his work in Ireland and the UK since his death. She previously worked in adult education, in particular as Head of Community Learning for the London Borough of Brent; was Director of the Peel Institute/Community Centre near Kings Cross, and delivered a ground breaking project in dementia care. Her book Homework published by the Centre for Policy on Ageing was the first of its kind for practitioners in the UK care home sector.

  • It was our pleasure to be able to host Judith and screen No Holds Barred - The Life of Matthew Lanyon. The film was both a wonderful insight into the life and work of Matthew as well as being a beautifully shot visual treat. The feature is a seamless mixture of intrigue and warmth.

    Crouch End Arthouse review

  • It's a deeply moving exploration of a life dedicated to art. This film is a rare and intimate reflection - a must see.

    Art360 Foundation

  • It is rare to watch a film that feels so personal to all those contributing, and yet holds the integrity of Matthew as an artist

    Ellie

  • So full of delight. To live with joy. Always looking. My inspiration, not at all understood, but better after the film. Thank you

    Robin