The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Operation Progress
In post-War Yorkshire, Shipley town centre undergoes radical transformation, turning the dilapidated mill town into a vision of modernity. Will it stand the test of time?
From the collection of:
Overview
Big changes are afoot in 1950s Shipley, where the town’s Urban District Council has a series of redevelopments planned. Houses classified as slum dwellings and historic buildings like Shipley Old Hall are knocked down to make way for retail units and modern estate housing. This progress is welcomed by the residents who crowd the newly renovated market square to see the ribbon cut.
The Town and Country Planning Act of 1947 provided grants to local authorities to redevelop areas suffering dereliction or war damage, and this upbeat film by Eric Hall, who lived locally, relays the spirit of indomitable optimism which got the country back on its feet. Preserving historic landmarks took a back seat to improving living standards after the difficult war years. In Shipley, this meant that houses built by Joseph Hargreaves for his textile workers were considered unfit for habitation and torn down, replaced by concrete flats which offered all mod cons.
Related
Watch for free
Ploughing at Fulking and views of Shipley Mill Ploughing at Fulking and views of Shipley Mill
Amateur film 1969 4 mins Silent Location: Fulking
Frank Gregory captures rural West Sussex in this charming film from 1969 - featuring Shire horses at a ploughing match and excellent views of a spinning Shipley Mill
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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'.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.