This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

Surrey Symphony

A picturesque look at the attractions in Surrey, including Kew Gardens, Wimbledon and Guildford

Amateur film 1949 11 mins

Overview

A seasonal film tour of Surrey, featuring Richmond, Guildford and Wimbledon. The film wanders through the tranquil Kew Gardens at first blossom of spring, followed by the men's singles final at Wimbledon with Queen Mary and the Duke of Edinburgh in attendance. Guilford Castle, and Abbots Hospital are among the other attractions before we finish our journey at the Virginia Water Lake in full autumnal bloom.

The tour of Kew Gardens features the ornamental 'Chinese Pagoda', also known as the Great Pagoda. Further exploration of Richmond takes in watercolour painters at Richmond Hill and the Star and Garter Hotel. On centre court at Wimbledon we see Ted Schroeder defeated by Jaroslav Drobný in the 1949 men's singles final. In Guildford the Town Hall and its ceremonial balcony announce the start of the Surrey Agricultural Show. Before heading to Virginia Water Lake, two pubs are featured - Chiddingfold's Crown Inn and Witley's White Heart Inn. Matthew Nathan was a prolific amateur filmmaker, who created many travelogues around the UK and abroad; his earlier film, A Sussex Symphony (1947) also appears on BFI Player.

Original title

A Surrey Symphony

Director

Matthew Nathan

Genres

Amateur film and Travelogue

Country

United Kingdom

Location

KewRichmondVirginia WaterWimbledon

Language

English

Subjects

Wimbledon championships

Watch for free

Kew Gardens During the War Kew Gardens During the War

Amateur film 1941 5 mins Silent Location: Kew

Rare wartime colour film shows Kew Gardens in full bloom while visitors of all ages stroll past or relax on the sunlit lawns.

Watch for free

The Torrens family visits Windsor, Kew and London The Torrens family visits Windsor, Kew and London

Amateur film 1955 8 mins Silent Location: Richmond

Join the Torrens family as they cram in as many sights as possible in their short trip to London - taking in Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, the Tower of London and polar bears

Watch for free

St Faith's go to Kew for tea St Faith's go to Kew for tea

Amateur film 1936 20 mins Silent Location: Brentford

Enjoy a nostalgic trip down river with members of the St Faith community - with tea at Kew, feeding penguins at London Zoo and lots of chatter - all in sign language!