Star-struck Lincoln

Gwyneth Paltrow enrols at Lincoln - for two days. Grace McCann reports

Did you know that Gwyneth Paltrow went to Lincoln University? She was there on set in August 2000, for the film adaptation of A S Byatt's Booker Prize-winning novel, Possession, which opens at cinemas tomorrow. Paltrow plays the central role of Maud Bailey, an English literature academic. Maud works at Lincoln University, a place dreamed up by Byatt: the book was published in 1990, while the real University of Lincoln came into being only six years ago.

When the makers of Possession discovered that a real university – and therefore a ready-made location – had appeared, they were delighted, says Lincoln press officer Jez Ashberry. And Lincoln was cock-a-hoop. "We had no hesitation in agreeing when the production company asked to film here," says Ashberry. "As a relatively new university we need publicity."

The film follows Maud Bailey as she joins forces with an American scholar, played by Aaron Eckhart, in researching the life and work of a pair of Victorian poets. The narrative jumps back and forth between the 1800s and the present day, and Lincoln's new campus – in particular its library – was used for several contemporary scenes. With its modern aspect it contrasted well with period backdrops such as Lincoln cathedral. "Our main Brayford Pool site is all glass, steel and concrete – large and airy with a central atrium," says Ashberry.

As well as publicity and a nice cheque, the Hollywood invasion gave Lincoln opportunities for staff and students to rub shoulders with the stars. The scenes filmed at the university demanded 90 extras, and about 30 students and a number of staff took part. Members of Lincoln's media production department were particularly keen to become involved, according to Ashberry. "Extras played either students or academics – anyone grey and grizzled with specs was an academic."

Filming was wrapped up after two days and Paltrow was "the perfect house guest: quiet, undemanding and polite," says Ashberry. She was even happy to be snapped by a local photographer leaving Brown's Pie Shop in Lincoln. The university held a gala screening of the film on Tuesday evening, when they hoped Ms Paltrow would return. Sadly she was indisposed, but a look-a-like was booked to make a Hollywood-style appearance.

education@independent.co.uk