This film is part of Free
Visit to Sunny Surrey
Tired of London life? An aspirational couple move out to the country (well, Purley) in this 1930s advert selling sunny Surrey's suburban dream.
Overview
Witness the pull of 1930s Purley! An aspirational couple ditch their London flat for a suburban semi in this (incomplete) advert for the shiny new housing estates of Purley Oak, Surrey. Interior shots of a furnished show home highlight space and design, but the development's chief selling point lies in its quality materials and skilled construction - and proximity to the Pearly Downs golf course.
Purley, now in Greater London, grew rapidly in the 1920s and 30s, with young families attracted by the promise of bigger homes and a green environment. William Webb, a local estate agent, had already piloted the 'garden city' concept for Purley in the late 19th century; his estate privileged ample gardens and individually designed houses. Today, the area remains popular among wealthy commuters: a 2002 survey revealed that Purley is home to some of Britain's highest earners.
Related
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.