The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
Walker's Planesailing
Revolutionary Sail inspired by Plane
From the collection of:
Overview
Westward TV’s Del Cooper interviews ‘Wingsail’ or ‘Planesail’ designer John Walker. John started his career as a designer of cars and planes but following a yachting accident turned his attention to designing a new and improved sail. His first prototype was the planesail which soon developed into the wingsail, a revolutionary idea for the yachting community.
The wingsail is a variable-camber aerodynamic structure similar to that of an aeroplane wing, and is more rigid in structure than conventional sails. The Walker Wingsail Company started in 1982, but came under attack from an article printed by the IPC magazine group in February 1993. The company was awarded £1.5 million by the courts. In this film, one of the first prototypes is demonstrated.
Related
Ship is Launched Ship is Launched
Industry sponsored film 1957 7 mins Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
The famous Swan Hunter shipyards on the Tyne grease the slipway for another stirring launch in the prosperous 1950s.
Building and Launch of the "Crepath" at Barnstaple Building and Launch of the "Crepath" at Barnstaple
Non-Fiction 1918 5 mins Silent Location: Barnstaple
Barnstaple's experimental concrete-hulled ship gets a visit from a jolly Italian admiral.
City of Ships City of Ships
Industry sponsored film 1940 34 mins Location: Royal Albert Dock
There’s breathtaking footage of the London’s docks at their bustling peak in this informative film celebrating the work of the Port Of London Authority.
Shipyard Shipyard
1935 25 mins Location: Barrow-In-Furness
Paul Rotha’s brilliant film of the building and launch of SS Orion from the shipyards of Barrow-in-Furness.
Topical Budget 34-1 Topical Budget 34-1
Non-Fiction 1912 2 mins Silent Location: Southampton
Two of the earliest surviving editions of the Topical Budget newsreel, released in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster.
RMS Queen Mary Leaves the Clyde RMS Queen Mary Leaves the Clyde
1936 2 mins Silent
The iconic Cunard White Star liner leaves the shipyard of her birth and ventures seawards for the first time.
Bristow's of Crediton Bristow's of Crediton
Current affairs 1968 4 mins Location: Crediton
Confectionery company puts Devon clotted cream products on the world map.
Crediton Cattle Market Crediton Cattle Market
News 1962 1 mins Silent Location: Crediton
The hustle and bustle of an East Devon cattle market
International Jamboree in Credtion International Jamboree in Credtion
News 1980 4 mins Location: Crediton
An International Scout Jamboree transforms Lord’s Meadow in Crediton
Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries
Travelogue 1935 10 mins Location: Totnes
Beyond the glorious views, this Devon travelogue boasts a mouth-watering focus on the sweet industry.
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.