Redgrave fights to save film costume firm

Vanessa Redgrave has backed a campaign to save a London costume design company described as a "cultural institution".

Sands Films has been based in Rotherhithe for 36 years but faces eviction in September to be replaced by flats, shops and restaurants.

The company is campaigning to raise £2.8million by encouraging supporters to buy shares so it can acquire the building, an 18th century warehouse, from its current owners.

The actress, 74, vowed to ask actor friends to join her in supporting its move. She said a closure would cost Britain millions of pounds in world film industry investment.

Sands Films has provided period costumes for films such as Pride And Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley.

Speaking after a costume fitting for her next film, Song For Marion, Redgrave said: "It is a huge player, with eight major films and two major operas currently on the books," said Redgrave. "It brings in business and money and experience. If it is not here any more, international business won't come.

"The Government has done nothing to show it wants to save the arts in Britain and it too should pay up."