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
Caldey Island 1959
Work and school are forgotten as the Wright family re-locates to Caldey Island (Ynys B_r) to enjoy a summer holiday.
From the collection of:
Overview
July 1959: the weather is perfect for a holiday on Caldey, an island off Tenby basking in the Pembrokeshire sunshine. The Wrights, from Bristol, roast sausages on sticks over a fire on the beach, admire the blooming heather and take a ride in an amphibious vehicle (for low tide crossings). The children all enjoy the outdoor life – Sally, Juliet, young Nicholas (who gets to drive a boat) and capable older cousin Ruth – as does Mum Brenda and Dad Philip who is busy with the camera.
This footage was filmed by Philip John Wright, master printer, engineer and inventor, who ran the Bristol-based medical and scientific printers and publishers John Wright and Sons. The Wrights had a particular connection with Caldey via Philip John's wife, Brenda, daughter of William Leonard Roseveare and Marjorie Constance (nee Webb). Brenda's great-grandfather, the Rev W D Bushell (a teacher/chaplain at Harrow School and a keen archaeologist), owned the island 1897-1906. The family stayed in the island's guest house – St Philomena's, a stone house seen in the film – and also at times in one of the terraced cottages, also seen in the film, provided for the men who built the monastery in the 1900s.
Related
Watch for free
Caldey Island 1955 Caldey Island 1955
Home movie 1955 6 mins Silent Location: Tenby/Dinbych-y-pysgod
The Wright family get full rations of sunshine whilst holidaying on Caldey Island, off Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
Watch for free
Visiting Tenby and area and St Margaret's Fair Visiting Tenby and area and St Margaret's Fair
Amateur film 1938 9 mins Silent Location: Tenby/Dinbych-y-pysgod
Caldey Island and Bosherston supply welcome afternoon teas to this holiday party who are exploring the Tenby area.
Watch for free
Five Holiday in Pembrokeshire - Caldey Island and Barafundle Bay Five Holiday in Pembrokeshire - Caldey Island and Barafundle Bay
Home movie 1961 8 mins Silent Location: Caldey Island/Ynys Byr
Life is not all contemplation for the Cistercian monks on Caldey Island, off Tenby. Here they are seen making hay whilst the sun shines.
Watch for free
Mining Review 23rd Year No. 6 Mining Review 23rd Year No. 6
Cinemagazine 1970 11 mins Location: Caldey Island/Ynys Byr
Ace edition of the series with wintry-but-warm vignettes of coal community life in South Hetton, Woolley Colliery and Caldey Island.
Watch for free
Morton Family Presents Holidays in Pembrokeshire 1949 Morton Family Presents Holidays in Pembrokeshire 1949
Home movie 1949 8 mins Silent Location: Tenby/Dinbych-y-pysgod
The Morton family enjoy a wonderful holiday in Pembrokeshire, filled with activities such as motorcycle racing, sports, sightseeing, walks and beach shenanigans.
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.