Electric Edwardians: Story Of The Mitchell & Kenyon Collectio

Description: 'Electric Edwardians' presents a stunning visual record of the films of Sagar Mitchell and James Kenyon combined with an illuminating discussion of the films and the social context of their production by Vanessa Toulmin, a leading authority on the collection. Advertised as 'local films for local people', the films of Mitchell and Kenyon were commissioned by traveling exhibitors in the early twentieth century for screening in town halls, village fetes and local fairs. Audiences paid to see their neighbors, families, and themselves on the screen, glimpsed at work and at play. This attractive volume includes over 200 illustrations drawn from the Mitchell and Kenyon collection as well as contemporary posters and handbills from the National Fairground Archive.Vanessa Toulmin's lucid accompanying text provides an introduction to the work of the M & K company, the showmen who commissioned their films, and their place in early British cinema. Focusing on major themes such as Leisure and Recreation, Sport, Industry, the Boer War and the City, Toulmin explores how the M & K collection deepens our understanding of these key aspects of Edwardian life. Table of Contents: Section 1: The Company Section 2: The Films Section 3: Leisure and Recreation Case Study: The Crewe Carnival Film Section 4: Sport Case Study: Molde Cricket Controversy Section 5: Industry Case Study 5: Child labour Section 6: Boer War Case Study 6: Private Ward V.C Section 7: The Showman/Showmanship Case Study 7: A.D Thomas Section 8: The Edwardian City Case Study 8: The Park films Section 9: Section 6: Military Movements Case Study 9: Baden Powell Author Biography: Vanessa Toulmin is Research Director, National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield and a leading authority on Victorian entertainment and film.