Four Mitchell and Kenyon films
Rare documents of social and filmic history, the Mitchell and Kenyon films reveal the dynamics of crowds and give insight into class and gender divisions. They also show a relationship between the camera and spectators which is both intimate and intrusive.
Whitsuntide Fair at Preston
UK 1906, 2 mins
This film reveals the high-tech fun of the Edwardian fair: steam powered roundabouts and the travelling cinematograph show. This is also where many of the Mitchell and Kenyon films were first exhibited to the public.
Blackpool Victoria Pier
UK 1904, 2 mins
Filmed during the Whitsuntide holiday weekend, this short emphasizes the diverse nature of the visitors. Blackpool, attracting four million visitors by 1914, developed a People's Pier, while the North and Victoria Piers catered to a middle-class clientele.
Dewsbury v Manningham
UK 1902, 2 mins
This film shows a rugby match between Dewsbury and Manningham Rugby club who in 1903 switched allegiance to the round ball and re-formed as Bradford City.
Alfred Butterworth and Sons, Glebe Mills, Hollinwood
UK 1901, 2 mins
A typical 'factory gate' scene, the film shows workers and children outside a factory. The smaller children are taking their fathers' or mothers' lunches to work, as the minimum age of children workers at the time was 11.
Background information
About the films
Before purpose built cinemas existed, Mitchell & Kenyon, a small pioneering film company, was commissioned by travelling exhibitors to produce films for public screenings. These films, screened in town halls, at local fairs or village feasts, were advertised as 'local films for local people'. In most cases, the requirement was that as many people as the operator could possibly film in two minutes be captured, thereby increasing the film's audience. The motive behind such films was therefore almost always a highly commercial one, as the a udiences paid to see other locals, family, friends and themselves leaving work, enjoying the annual works holidays, and watching or playing sports.
About the film-makers
James Kenyon (1850-1925) and Sagar Mitchell (1866-1952) formed their partnership at the very end of the 19th Century and continued making films until 1913, but the bulk of their film activity was in the first five years. They were thus among the wave of filmmakers who swiftly followed in the footsteps of Britain's film pioneers - rather than themselves being pioneers of British filmmaking itself.
Teaching materials and additional materials
The teaching materials have been developed by practising teachers to provide a springboard for your own work with your students. Feel free to use and adapt them appropriate to your students' needs.
The additional materials, provided by the film-makers, can be used to develop your work with the film and deepen students' understanding of the process of film-making.
