This film is part of Free
The Official Opening of Gunnersbury Park by the Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain, M. P.
Ealing locals delight in their new park's manicured lawns, splendid mansion, and sports facilities.
Overview
Anyone who's anyone in Ealing turns up to witness the opening of Gunnersbury Park. The local Walpole Cinema, who produced this film, captures the sense of occasion with sweeping pan shots, eloquent framing and a sneaky spot of trick photography. Look out for the somewhat disturbing 'Catch a Tartar' Ju Jitsu display - or the clash of 'The Toff vs the Ruffian' - courtesy of Constables Crew and Hutchinson of Ealing Police.
In 1925 Ealing and Acton Councils purchased 200 acres from landowner Leopold de Rothschild at a cost of Π125,000 to create Gunnersbury Park. Then Health Minister Neville Chamberlain, seen delivering a speech at the beginning of the film, advocated the reclamation of privately owned open spaces for public use and awarded loans for such initiatives. The official opening of Gunnersbury Park took place on the 21st May 1926. The large mansion is now home to Gunnersbury Park Museum.
Related
London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square
Non-Fiction 1910 1 mins Silent Location: Trafalgar Square
Spot the changes and continuities in this majestic Edwardian panorama of Trafalgar Square.
Animated Politics Animated Politics
Non-Fiction 1910 0 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
Woolwich candidates face the voters in the first of 1910's two general elections.
Miss Davison's Funeral Miss Davison's Funeral
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Bloomsbury
The funeral procession of suffragette Emily Davison - fatally injured at the Epsom Derby - passes through London to her final resting place in Morpeth.
To Defend the East Coast To Defend the East Coast
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Eltham
Magnificent artillery horses and their youthful riders parade the streets of Eltham as rapt locals look on.
Looping the Loop at Hendon Looping the Loop at Hendon
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Hendon
Spectacular feats of early aviation at Hendon Aerodrome, North London.
Old London Old London
Non-Fiction 1914 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
A revealing tour of London's notable buildings - some now lost for ever - which uncovers their intriguing histories.
Minister of Health Minister of Health
Non-Fiction 1930 2 mins Silent Location: Gunnersbury Park
Minister of Health gets his hands dirty laying the foundation stone for an extension to the North Middlesex Hospital in Enfield.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archiveβs role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.