The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Holiday at West Mersea
Home movie of the Harrison family on holiday on the beach and sailing at West Mersea in Essex, with intertitles.
From the collection of:
Overview
This movie shows the preparation of and escapades on a family holiday to West Mersea in Essex in July 1930. The Harrison family are on the beach, and with friends they spend plenty of time on the water in their family boat – ‘Elver’, particularly encouraging the sailing skills of the younger generation. However, despite the lovely shots, the filmmaker's parting intertitle states "the rain spoilt the holiday and the photography". Oh dear!
This is just one of a series of films recording the travels of the schooner Elver, her owner V.B. Harrison, crew and guests. Victor Harrison is well known in the model railway world. The Harrison family owned Harrison and Sons Limited, a print works in High Wycombe, that has since become De La Rue. EAFA acquired a huge collection of 16mm film (60 odd rolls) from John, Victor Harrison’s son, who features along with sister Susan, in many of the films.
Related
Watch for free
Blackwater Estuary Blackwater Estuary
Amateur film 1972 14 mins Silent Location: River Blackwater
An amateur film, in colour and beautifully crafted, of the environment around the Blackwater Estuary near West Mersea, Essex, circa 1972.
Watch for free
A Last Day on Board the Yacht 'Elver' with Nan A Last Day on Board the Yacht 'Elver' with Nan
Amateur film 1929 2 mins Silent Location: West Mersea
The Harrison family spend a day on their yacht, travelling from Mersea to Lowestoft, which turns out to be Nan's last trip. Filmed circa 1929.
Watch for free
The Yacht 'Elver' 1939 Part Two The Yacht 'Elver' 1939 Part Two
Amateur film 1939 18 mins Silent Location: Harwich Harbour
The escapades of the Harrison family, crew and guests on their yacht Elver in 1939 before the outbreak of World War Two.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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 Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.