National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Unveiling of Aberystwyth War Memorial
WWI soldiers died far from their womenfolk but are commemorated in Aberystwyth by a representation of what they were forcibly estranged from: buxom ‘Humanity’ unclothed.
From the collection of:
Overview
September 14th 1923: the Aberystwyth war memorial, built in 1922 to a design by Mario Rutelli of Italy, using stone from Ystrad Meurig Quarry, is unveiled with due ceremony. Lord Ystwyth, wearing a top hat, pays tribute to the dead and the mayor, Captain Edward Llewellyn, unveils the memorial. Near its base, ‘Humanity’ a buxom, naked woman, emerges from the ashes of war whilst above, crowning the memorial, winged ‘Victory’ (a clothed female) holds aloft a laurel wreath.
Professor Mario Rutelli, the sculptor invited to make a war memorial for Aberystwyth, came originally from Sicily. His connection with Aberystwyth came about though his acquaintance with Thomas Jenkins, a member of the local Tabernacle Chapel who had a successful shipping business in London. Jenkins spent much time in Italy, which is probably where he met Rutelli, and commissioned him to create the Tabernacle's war memorial. Aberystwyth’s Appeal Committee was impressed by Rutelli’s work for the chapel and so commissioned him to make the town memorial. He also made the statue of the Prince of Wales situated outside the Old College. This is local newsreel footage for use in Cheetham family cinemas.
Related
Watch for free
Miriam Conquers Pendinas Miriam Conquers Pendinas
Home movie 1969 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Onwards and upwards goes toddler Miriam Jones, her little legs taking her to the very top of Aberystwyth's hill fort, Pen Dinas.
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975 Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975
Home movie 1975 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Children dressed as double yellow lines indicate that parking in Aberystwyth has been an issue across the centuries!
Watch for free
Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch
Home movie 1965 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
A shoal of mackerel has drawn hordes of fishermen and women to Tanybwlch beach, Aberystwyth, on a warm summer's evening.
Watch for free
Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967 Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967
Home movie 1967 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Victor Williams returns to his roots for a holiday that offers trampolines, donkey rides and dodgem-type cars for his daughters to enjoy.
Watch for free
For Those in Peril - offcuts For Those in Peril - offcuts
Documentary 1974 10 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
The men, the inflatable boat and the equipment that help keep those in peril on the sea around Aberystwyth safe.
Watch for free
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl
Amateur film 1937 15 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Behind the scenes at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: as readers enter by the front door, acquisitions arrive by lorry at the back.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.