London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is currently unavailable
British Deaf Association Congress, Brighton (1953)
Bowls, ice cream, drama and kilts on the south coast as the British Deaf Association head for Brighton in Coronation year.
From the collection of:
Overview
Shot on silent film in both colour and black and white and essentially a home movie, this film shows the British Deaf Association (then called the British Deaf And Dumb Association) at their congress in Brighton in 1953. Members attend a conference and ceremony at Brighton Pavilion where they meet the mayor, before letting their hair down playing bowls, scoffing ice cream and using British Sign Language in a drama competition.
One highlight is the day trip to Midhurst, during which grey-haired members, one in a kilt, dance an impromptu jig outside an ice cream shop. Also worth seeing is the drama competition, which features groups from Brighton, Paisley, the National Deaf Club and a particularly dramatic performance of “The Bishop’s Candlesticks” from the Edinburgh troupe, which deservedly scoops top prize. The film was shot by Joseph Foster and James Hudson. British Deaf Association
Related
Watch for free
Playground Express Playground Express
1955 17 mins Location: Brighton
Kids face the closure of their Brighton playground but fight back to reclaim it, with a little help from the iconic Volks Railway
Watch for free
Southern Seaside Southern Seaside
Travelogue 1935 15 mins Silent Location: Bournemouth
Anyone for a trip to the seaside? From Bournemouth to Margate via Brighton and Folkestone – sunny delights in abundance.
Watch for free
Early Fashions on Brighton Pier Early Fashions on Brighton Pier
Non-Fiction 1898 1 mins Silent Location: Brighton
An accidental fashion parade as holiday promenaders pass before the camera on Brighton Pier
Watch for free
A Visit to Heathrow Airport A Visit to Heathrow Airport
Amateur film 1961 5 mins Silent Location: Heathrow Airport London
At a time when flying still had a touch of glamour, Heathrow's Queens Building could provide the perfect venue for a pleasant afternoon's plane spotting
Watch for free
Brighton Seaside - Airshow & Silver Jubilee in Bromley Brighton Seaside - Airshow & Silver Jubilee in Bromley
Amateur film 1977 11 mins Silent Location: Brighton
Tony Mitchell captures a variety of events during Jubilee year - including day trips to Brighton and a bunting covered London as well as an accident at an airshow
Watch for free
Brighton & Hove Band of Hope Demonstration Brighton & Hove Band of Hope Demonstration
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Brighton
Brighton's children are recruited for the fight against the 'demon drink' in this revealing 1913 film featuring the Temperance Movement
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.