This film is part of Free
Ealing locals delight in their new park's manicured lawns, splendid mansion, and sports facilities.
Anyone who's anyone in Ealing turns up to witness the opening of Gunnersbury Park. The local Walpole Cinema, who produced this film, captures the sense of occasion with sweeping pan shots, eloquent framing and a sneaky spot of trick photography. Look out for the somewhat disturbing 'Catch a Tartar' Ju Jitsu display - or the clash of 'The Toff vs the Ruffian' - courtesy of Constables Crew and Hutchinson of Ealing Police.
In 1925 Ealing and Acton Councils purchased 200 acres from landowner Leopold de Rothschild at a cost of Ј125,000 to create Gunnersbury Park. Then Health Minister Neville Chamberlain, seen delivering a speech at the beginning of the film, advocated the reclamation of privately owned open spaces for public use and awarded loans for such initiatives. The official opening of Gunnersbury Park took place on the 21st May 1926. The large mansion is now home to Gunnersbury Park Museum.
