This film is part of Free
Opening of the Blea Tarn Reservoir (1902)
A wet afternoon in Scolforth can't dampen the civic pride of Lancashire's great and good.
Overview
A wet afternoon in Scolforth can't dampen the civic pride of Lancashire's great and good as the mayor of Lancaster officially opens the new reservoir. Seemingly hundreds cram into the TARDIS-like valve house, while the ordinary folk watch from beyond the gate. One enterprising young man turns his own box brownie on Mitchell and Kenyon's cameraman - if only we could see a copy of his photograph!
Work started at Blea Tarn in 1896, and the reservoir was in use by 1901; this official opening took place on 23 April 1902. According to the Lancaster Guardian, the self-consciousness of some of the attending dignitaries didn't go unnoticed when Mitchell and Kenyon's film screened a few days later: "Much amusement is caused by the 'gait' of some well known personages who have evidently been anxious to make an impression on the camera."
Related
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.