The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free

Split and Polish
All that glitters: the many facets of Teesside rock hounds and the art of a well cut gem.
Amateur film 1975 8 mins
From the collection of:

Overview
“But square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don’t lose their shape …” A look at the ageless art of lapidary hobbyists in Teesside who search the scree slopes above Weardale for semi-precious minerals and rock, to cut, hammer and carve into bespoke gemstone jewellery or intricate miniature trophies.
This film was produced by Betty Cook, President of the Cleveland Cine Society and the North East Cine Society, who filmed many events in Middlesbrough and the Teesside area between 1964 and 1986.
Related
Making and Doing

Tie and Dye Tie and Dye
Cinemagazine 1970 3 mins
A snazzy intro to the ancient textile-dyeing technique taking the 70s fashion world by storm.

Time on the Wing Time on the Wing
Sponsored film 1969 33 mins Location: Darlington
Everything you always wanted to know about North East homing pigeons (but were afraid to ask).

Make-do-and-mend Make-do-and-mend
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1945 1 mins
A wartime family look on in amazement as their old clothes offer useful advice on how to make their clothing coupons go further.

To Cane a Trout To Cane a Trout
Promotional 1974 34 mins Location: River Aln
Quiet reflection on angling and the craft of elegant cane rods from the famous Hardy Brothers of Alnwick.

Pipe Dreams Pipe Dreams
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1965 3 mins Location: Wakefield
A once common object in many households becomes transformed into a quirky dancing troupe in this simple homespun animation.

Model Clipper Sailor Model Clipper Sailor
Current affairs 1965 2 mins Location: Plymouth
Former shipwright turns his talents to model-making.
Weardale

Cottage Loaf Cottage Loaf
Comedy 1951 4 mins Location: Weardale
There’s no motivating the sloth-like George on a cottage holiday in Weardale.

Life on a Hill Sheep Farm in Weardale Life on a Hill Sheep Farm in Weardale
Amateur film 1951 15 mins Silent Location: Weardale
The son of a miner with a passion for the County Durham landscape pays tribute to hard working hill sheep farmers in remote Weardale.
New

Discover Your City: Soho Discover Your City: Soho
1962 12 mins Location: Soho
A children’s guide to bustling Soho, with a glimpse of its music industry, architecture and thriving restaurant scene.

One Is One One Is One
Documentary 1969 25 mins
On release from jail, a man recalls the events leading up to his imprisonment.

The Bone Grinder The Bone Grinder
1968 78 mins
It’s Britain vs USA in this drama by Dennis Potter as mild-mannered George finds himself in thrall to brash American Sam.

Venus Rising Venus Rising
Drama 1968 27 mins
Three women seek the truth about love from a crystal ball in an early Fay Weldon play about trust and jealousy.

Hand in Glove Hand in Glove
Action and Adventure 1955 28 mins
Four village schoolchildren encounter a spot of trouble when some crooks take up residence in the woods.
