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
Christmas 1957
A Brenig Jones Christmas in Cardiff: a festive tea with trifle and crackers, a toy train, and seasonal drinks.
From the collection of:
Overview
It’s the boys and their toys that grab cameraman Dad’s attention at Christmas but he does also catch shots of the rest of the family including Gran and Nana, the array of cards sent to the Brenig Jones home in King George V Drive, Cardiff, the festive tea, the writing of thank-you letters, and daughter Carmel’s piano practice.
A home movie filmed by William Brenig Jones (1918-1978) from Pentre, Rhondda. William worked at the Welsh office in Cardiff, becoming Head of Finance. He married Joan Mary Oakey [from Newport, Gwent, originally] who also worked for the Welsh Office, and they had four children: Terence and Paul (twins), Carmel and Martin. Their house was commissioned by William and included a dark-room as he was a keen photographer and film-maker. Joan wears red, her sister-in-law, Katherine Oakey (wife of Joan’s moustached brother George), wears blue. William himself steps out from behind the camera on this festive occasion and appears alongside Katherine.