SEVENTY years after Brief Encounter was filmed at Carnforth station, a major new exhibition is to celebrate its iconic place in cinema history.

‘The Life and Works of Sir David Lean’ opens at Carnforth Station Heritage Centre next Wednesday.

Highlights include previously unseen photographs from the collections of director David Lean’s son Peter, grandson Nick and actress Margaret Barton, who played tearoom waitress Beryl in the 1945 romance.

Brief Encounter is one of the best-loved British films of all time, telling the poignant story of housewife Laura (Celia Johnson) who falls in love with doctor Alec (Trevor Howard) after getting a piece of grit in her eye at Milford Junction (Carnforth).

Director David Lean would go on to make Great Expectations, Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and A Passage to India during his 40-year Oscar-winning career.

“David Lean was one of the most famous and prolific film directors of the 20th century,” said John Adams, manager of Carnforth Station Heritage Centre. “The renovation of the station, Refreshment Room and clock – all featured in the film Brief Encounter – form a worthy tribute to David Lean and his work.”

Brief Encounter’s platform scenes were mostly filmed at Carnforth because the War Office would not allow filming in London, in case lights attracted German bombers, said John.

Shooting began on February 5, 1945, late in the evening after the last local train had departed.

“Celia Johnson was not looking forward to the filming on Carnforth Station and in a letter described it as 'we have to go up North for four weeks location on some horrible railway station. I don't yet know where,’ John told the Gazette.

“She was soon to change her mind, and in a letter on February 11 she describes how the atmosphere among the film crew was good, and that they were having a good time. In between takes she would play poker or sit and do the crossword puzzle in the newspapers.

“She was very impressed with the stationmaster, who she describes as an old-fashioned gentleman who raised his hat every time he saw her, and allowed them to warm themselves in front of the fire in his office between takes.”

Carnforth’s famous station clock was given a dummy face so that times could be painted on as required, and the train announcer was none other than playwright and producer Noël Coward.

Tearoom exterior film ‘flats’ were erected on Carnforth’s platform, with interiors shot at Denham Studios but closely modelled on the genuine station buffet – still serving teas in all its 1940s glory.

The exhibition runs until December 31. Admission free, 10am to 4pm.