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Governor's Notebook 4

Experience the strenuous but always very friendly official affairs of the Governor of Northern Ireland and his wife.

Amateur film 1955 4 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Overview

The industrious pace of the Ulster Mills intersects with serene rural prospects and ceremonial spectacles. In a darkened factory raw flax is transformed into the iconic Irish linens which are inspected in the sunlight. Meanwhile follow the Governor and his wife as they inspect the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers and meet the nurses at the District Hospital. Finally after a whirlwind of hand shaking and small talk, cruise home to Government House in the Wakehurst’s car.

These are previously unseen colour rushes from A Governor’s Notebook. It is a personal record by Lord and Lady Wakehurst that was released in black and white. John de Vere, 2nd Baron Wakehurst (1895-1970) was Governor of Northern Ireland from 1952-1964. Throughout his life he was a prolific filmmaker who used his privileged access to capture historic moments in glorious colour. He wrote thrillers with Hilary St George Saunders as Cornelius Cofyn. Lady Wakehurst actively contributed to the local community and founded the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health in 1959. Government House also known as Hillsborough Castle is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Original title

Governor's Notebook (rushes) 4

Director

Genres

Amateur film and Travelogue

Country

Northern Ireland

Location

BelfastEnniskillenHillsborough

Language

English

Subjects

Factories Textile machinery Textile workers Linen Governors Street scenes Military Inspections Nurses 1950s

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