This film is part of Free
Mottram Show
Dressed to impress for the Mottram Agricultural Show in Cheshire.
Overview
This rare amateur footage conjures the excitement and sense of occasion generated by Mottram's Agricultural Show. The splendidly groomed heavy horses steal the scenes and are clearly the central attraction - one working horse is even greeted with a peck on the cheek (perhaps by its proud owner?). The event continues to draw thousands from all corners of Cheshire and beyond.
Beyond the gaiety, imposing textile mills point to the area's rich industrial heritage. Artist Laurence Stephen Lowry moved to Mottram in 1948 and a year later interpreted the show in his painting 'Agricultural Fair Mottram in Longendale, 1949'. He remained in Mottram until his death in 1976. Look out for the bicycle wheel-bedecked shopfront - a reminder that two-wheel transport, as well as horsepower, was very popular in 1912.
Related
L.S. Lowry - The Industrial Artist L.S. Lowry - The Industrial Artist
Documentary 1973 17 mins Location: Mottram in Longdendale
Matchstick men and so much more - the work and world of Lawrence Stephen Lowry, recorder of the industrial north.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Blades Blades
Drama 2023 2 mins
A group of young Black boys run into a building. One of them is about to do the unimaginable.
We Collide We Collide
Romance 2023 2 mins
A queercore romance - a visceral and immersive exploration of the power of the mosh pit and finding love in the most unlikely of places.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.