Davis Family Films: Canvey – 20th Wedding Anniversary, Central London and Canvey Island (1963)

A lovely shot of Berwick Street market in Soho is among the highlights of this sweet family film, which also captures a 20th anniversary holiday in Canvey Island.

Filmed by the Davis family – and found in their old family home after they moved – this home movie starts with footage from an athletics stadium and a very impressive 100m sprint to camera. Next comes film from the balcony of a London estate, followed by great shots of central London, including a teeming Berwick Street market. The film concludes with holiday footage from Canvey.

A label on the film case said this film captured a 20th anniversary, and the Davis adults are seen clinking glasses – presumably in celebration of this occasion – from the fold-out table inside their holiday caravan in Canvey. The Canvey footage also includes an impressive lollipop, two muddy boys, a funfair and local houses and churches. The London footage is also great, particularly the characterful shot of a Soho street market. Bruce Castle Museum