Le Mystère Picasso was originally filmed by French director Henri-Georges Clouzot in 1956 and released in cinema in France on May 18th, of the same year.

The film provides a rare opportunity to see the famous artist at work and uses stop-action and time-lapse photography and shows Picasso use a new technique at the time.

Clouzot filmed Picasso drawing with felt-tip pens from behind the blank newsprint he was using, and as a result, viewers have the chance to see his work magically appear as it’s created.

Passers-by were treated to a 30-minute screening of the film

Derek Manns, commercial media manager of Landsec, which owns the Piccadilly Lights, comments: “It’s a privilege to be able to broadcast this exclusive film featuring one of the world’s most influential artists.

“The Piccadilly Lights is at the centre of culture in the capital and this was a great experience for Londoners to enjoy.”

At the time the film went to cinema in 1956, it received the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

The footage is particularly special as many of the drawings and paintings have since been destroyed meaning they now only exist on film. What’s more, this screening was the first time the footage has ever been displayed on a digital screen.

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