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Exponents of Britain's newest religion don their Sunday best for a parade through Edwardian Manchester.
Non-Fiction 1901 7 mins Silent
Spiritualism emerged in the mid-19th century and promoted the belief that the dead can communicate with the living. By 1901 the controversial new religion boasted millions of followers in the US and Britain, and not one but three reels of film were lavished on this lively procession. The smart dresses, hats and suits attest to the Spiritualist Church's largely middle-class congregation.
The film was made by showman Arthur Duncan Thomas, who passed himself off as the American inventor Thomas Edison. "Edison Will Reproduce this Procession in Animated Photograph Twice Daily, St. James' Hall Manchester", reads a promotional placard seen in the film. Contemporary viewers may be surprised to see so many younger participants - among the colourful banners, including one held aloft by members of the 'Royal Spiritual Lyceum', one slogan reads "Open the door for the children". Despite a resurgence of popularity in the 1920s, the movement went into sharp decline, but a network of Spiritualist Churches remains, including several in Greater Manchester.
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
Church school pupils set off for a trip to the famous Birmingham entertainment hall.
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent
Well-to-do of Cork worshippers leaving St Patrick's Church.
Non-Fiction 1904 5 mins Silent Location: Hunslet
A spectacular street procession in the heart of industrial West Yorkshire.
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent Location: Kingston upon Hull
The faithful surge out of St James' Church onto a wind-swept street in Edwardian Hull.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Mansfield
A view of Mansfield's Bridge Street, as worshippers emerge from chapel.
Non-Fiction 1905 4 mins Silent Location: Halifax
A proud expression of Catholic identity, this Edwardian parade fills the streets of the Yorkshire town.
Charity appeal 1934 8 mins Location: Southport
Windows of opportunity: how a charity aimed to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
Documentary 1946 51 mins Location: Manchester
A brisk look at the tests and education practices for deaf people in 1940s
Promotional 1968 29 mins Location: Manchester
Faith in the inner city - the mission of the Sharon Full Gospel Church in Manchester.
Student film 1984 3 mins Location: Manchester
Infatuation amongst the bookshelves, or a mind playing tricks? The viewer can decide...
Amateur film 1993 2 mins Silent Location: Manchester
Manchester is 'Tickled Pink' with this annual celebration of LGBT life.
Promotional 1958 13 mins Location: Manchester
Earning and learning, as an apprentice begins his working life.
Comedy 1919 35 mins Silent
A protective father masquerades as an automatic doll in this bonkers interwar comedy.
1937 11 mins Silent
May Day – a significant day for the labour movement – is covered by the cameras of the Film and Photograph League.
Performance 1986 55 mins
An exploration of the life and work of the controversial British composer.
1935 9 mins
Let it bleed? This exemplary education film gets to the heart of the matter.
Non-Fiction 1935 12 mins Silent
Punchy political film capturing mass protests against unemployment.
1937 15 mins Silent
A spirited satire on the coronation of George VI made by members of the Film and Photograph League.
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