Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Building Chichester's new County Library
The ancient city of Chichester's new and very modern public library rises from its concrete foundations in this fascinating film from the mid 1960s
From the collection of:
Overview
We start with the foundations of the new library being dug to a circular pattern. Steel rods reinforce the concrete which is laid in the circle. An inner core of brick arches is then erected after which we see the arrival of many large concrete ribs. Once these are fitted the building starts to take shape. Work on the interiors, the glazing and the roof, which is covered in copper sheeting, are completed before council workers and officials arrive to view the finished library.
This film was made by B Snelling, whose father, John G Snelling, owned the company that built the new library. West Sussex Library, as the building is known today, is now a Grade II listed structure. It was designed by the county architect, F R Steele, and overseen by his successor, B Peters, who took up his post in 1964. The building engineers were Ove Arup and Partners, and the construction was carried out by John G Snelling Ltd. Asa Briggs, the historian and Vice-Chancellor elect of the University of Sussex, officially opened the building on the 24th January 1967.
Related
Watch for free
The Queen visits Chichester on Gala Day The Queen visits Chichester on Gala Day
Amateur film 1956 4 mins Silent Location: Chichester
Chichester gets out the bunting for Gala Day and to celebrate the arrival of a very special Royal visitor
Watch for free
Journey home to Canterbury Journey home to Canterbury
Amateur film 1930 7 mins Silent Location: Glastonbury
Join the Blighs on their homeward journey through the Southern counties - calling at Glastonbury and various ancient landmarks east
Watch for free
Meet the Chichester Boys' Club Meet the Chichester Boys' Club
Amateur film 1937 12 mins Silent Location: Chichester
Not a hoodie in sight as the male youth of Chichester goes clubbing – shove ha'penny style
Watch for free
The Selsey Tramway The Selsey Tramway
Amateur film 1928 2 mins Silent Location: Chichester
This amazing footage captures a unique little railway at work during its declining years in the late 1920s
Watch for free
Pre War and Wartime scenes in Chichester Pre War and Wartime scenes in Chichester
Amateur film 1937 15 mins Silent Location: Chichester
Spitfire the Rabbit makes a guest appearance in this charming family film from the early years of the war - featuring various aircraft and larks with men of the RAF.
Watch for free
Shippam's football team Shippam's football team
Amateur film 1930 15 mins Silent Location: Chichester
Baggy shorts abound in this footie film from the thirties - where the chaps from Shippams Ltd play various matches, in rain or shine, and win a championship trophy.
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.