Year 1901 - 13

Studies on human pathological locomotion.

Part of BFI collection "Tales From the Shipyard".

These mesmerising scenes were captured outside soap and chemical manufacturers William M. Gossage and Sons. Located on the west Bank of the St Helen's Canal in Widnes, the company was responsible for around half of all of the UK's international soap trade at this time. Unlike most 'factory gates' films, which show only building exteriors, this one gives us a glimpse of the glass-roofed interior.

Nearly a century after Nelson's famous victory, the British were still celebrating his achievements and by extension the British Navy, which had secured the Empire ever since. Here, a dizzying array of naval officers, cadets, Lascars and crews from the Liverpool-based merchant marine (the Allan Line, Cunard and the Elder Dempster Co.) march past after a stirring speech from the Lord Mayor. The grand procession, organised by the Liverpool branch of the Navy League, is testimony to an era when Britain's navy was the undisputed ruler of the seas. Some black sailors are visible among the marchers; they are among a handful of black faces appearing across the Mitchell & Kenyon collection of films, at a time long before mass immigration. As everyone gathers in Castle Street for Trafalgar Day at the base of Nelson's Column, with its endless bunting and union jacks, these images capture the sense of pride Liverpool - and Britain - felt for those who had fought for their nation.

Here we see one of the methods employed in the search for gold, where water is scarce. We see the workmen using the water over and over again in the rocker until it becomes too thick with earth for further use. The scene is one of action, as the valuable character of the ground enables many to work profitably in close quarters. An interesting and instructive subject.

Bathing Danish beauties.

The annual championship meeting of England's premier athletics association.

A film from the UK based Mitchell & Kenyon.

This is a news actuality film of the former Commander in Chief of the Boer War, Lord Roberts, visiting Manchester to much hoopla.

The might of the British Navy struts its stuff down the Manchester Ship Canal.

The picture was taken in the Gypsy tent at the Pan-American Exposition and shows ten beautiful Gypsy girls executing the famous Gypsy dance that created such a furore at the Exposition...

Thousands of people got together on Easter Monday for the traditional egg rolling.

Reproduction of the famous painting by Garnier.

Silent black and white film from Argentina made in 1901.

Mitchell & Kenyon.

A crowd of young boys scampers past, mildly shepherded by female teachers. Some more tightly marshalled older groups follow behind, while pairs of young girls, hand in hand, close the parade. The children are in such profusion that we seem to have seen the entire youth of the then Lancashire (now Cheshire) town.

This film captures both the build-up and the impressive parade itself, involving a brass band and then a lengthy march-past of what must surely have been the entire local police force. As the parade nears its end, three small girls understandably show more interest in the camera, an enthusiasm that quickly spreads to the whole crowd as they wave their hats and cheer.

This picture was taken from the Court of Fountains. Here we present a view of the Exposition grounds as the visitor would see them while standing at the base of the electric tower and looking south. The camera was put in motion while the lens was looking eastward toward the Manufacturers' and Liberal Arts Buildings. The camera is slowly revolved from left to right, making a semi-circle.

A film from the UK based Mitchell & Kenyon.

This picture was secured from a launch furnished by Mr. Eager, President of the California Construction Co....