National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Brecon Carnival Parade 1937
Brecon folk let their hair down on this carnival day – or else pile it under a funny hat or behind a jewelled crown…
From the collection of:
Overview
What a dazzling day this was in Brecon, in the summer of King George VI's coronation! The parade wends its way from the Barracks, along Watton and over the bridge to Dinas Green, where the carnival queen is received in style, complete with trumpeter. Costumed paraders have turned out in droves – including the organ grinder with miniature pony, and the girl urging folk to 'Join the mustard club'.
This film is by Jack Clark, who was born in Herefordshire in 1881 and moved to Brecon when his father was made gardener at Penoyre House. His love of photography led to his opening a studio in Castle Street in 1905, and in the summer he would travel to work in places like Scotland and the Isle of Man. Beach and postcard photography (for Judges) were part of his portfolio. A puppeteer and ventriloquist, he was the official photographer for Christ College, Brecon, and did much work for Llandovery and Lampeter colleges. He died in 1975, leaving a family business which still exists in Brecon.
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