London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
100,000 Pound Damage 1,500 out of Work
40 fire engines unsuccessfully battle a raging fire that destroyed a wallpaper factory in Chiswick.
From the collection of:
Overview
Sanderson wallpaper factory had been based in Chiswick since 1879. It was destroyed in October 1928 in the largest fire Londoners had seen for years. This film shows 100s of fire fighters and 40 engines tackling the huge inferno in front of watching crowds, and also the aftermath - interior gutted, walls and roof collapsed, windows twisted out of shape. It’s said that for a week afterwards, mountains of smouldering wallpaper “glowed like a volcano”.
Sanderson moved to Perivale in 1930.
Related
Watch for free
Automatic Fare Collection on London Buses Automatic Fare Collection on London Buses
Industry sponsored film 1971 2 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
A motley group of London Transport office staff line up to test the efficiency of two bus driver-operated ticket machines.
Watch for free
A Bit of Fun at the Chequered Flag A Bit of Fun at the Chequered Flag
Amateur film 1957 1 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
A mock standing start marks the beginning of an amusing classic car race that ends before it even gets going
Watch for free
1960 Wedding at Methodist Church Chiswick High Road 1960 Wedding at Methodist Church Chiswick High Road
Amateur film 1960 4 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
Glimpses of Chiswick High Road form the backdrop to the wedding guests arriving for a colourful 1960s wedding
Watch for free
Hold Tight/Hideaway Hold Tight/Hideaway
Music video 1966 5 mins Location: Chiswick
Take a very groovy road trip with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich in this early pop promo.
Watch for free
Scream Quietly or the Neighbours Will Hear Scream Quietly or the Neighbours Will Hear
Documentary 1974 52 mins Location: Chiswick
Shocking and unsentimental Thames documentary recording the experiences of a group of abused wives in a landmark refuge in Chiswick.
Watch for free
Chiswick's Gallant Gunner Chiswick's Gallant Gunner
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
Three cheers for Maurice Samuels, as a Chiswick tram driver receives a medal for bravery at the Western Front at Ypres.
Watch for free
Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.