Rough Sea

Breaking waves at an unidentified coastal location

Rough seas were a popular subject for early filmmakers keen to demonstrate the thrilling new medium of moving pictures. Images of waves breaking on the shore have a mesmerising effect, which would fascinate generations of artist filmmakers.

This film was produced by the pioneering Bamforth company, set up by James Bamforth and based in Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Having worked as a as a studio photographer and producer of magic lantern slides, Bamforth was well-placed to move into the film industry in 1898. Ever entrepreneurial, his company, Bamforth & Co., later diversified into the production of saucy seaside postcards, which proved a successful line of business until the 1990s.