National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins
A newly-built, dream home in Michaelston-le-Pit, Cardiff, where industrialist H H Merrett’s grandchildren have ample space to play.
From the collection of:
Overview
Grandchildren of H H Merrett, Chair of Powell Dyffryn coal company, enjoy the grounds of a house he had built c. 1940 at Michaelston-le-Pit, Cardiff. Richard and Christopher Gridley, with matching blue coats, meet hens and piglets. Twins Sheila and Marion Chalmers, baptised on 30/4/1946, celebrate their 2nd and 3rd birthdays, their brother Alan present, with wheel-along polar bears, dolls' prams, cherries and cakes. They are wary of the camera, their manner quizzical.
Herbert H Merrett (1886-1959), a self-made man, started work at the age of 13 in the Cardiff docks offices of the Cory Bros. and rose to become Chair of Powell Dyffryn coal company. He was knighted in 1950 and in 1957 was made a ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’ in appreciation of the economic and cultural links he forged with France/Europe. In 1937 he purchased a house (built c.1805) that he had at once demolished and in its place a neo-Georgian mansion built – ‘Cwrt-yr-Ala - designed by architect Percy Edward Thomas. His daughters, whose children play in the gardens, were Joan (Gridley) and Margaret (Chalmers). His son Norman, who died in the RAF during WWII, had a spitfire named in his memory.
Related
Visit to Germany Visit to Germany
Home movie 1936 28 mins Silent
Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.
Family and Friends Family and Friends
Home movie 1962 24 mins Silent
An intimate portrait of the family life of the Taberhams, including Ruth and Tigger Cat at Christmastime, idling in the garden, and a wedding.
George's Party and Porthcawl Prom George's Party and Porthcawl Prom
Home movie 1957 14 mins Silent Location: Porthcawl
Socialising at home - on George’s birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas – and walking the promenade.
Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham
Amateur film 1929 17 mins Silent
The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, relaxes with his family in Windlesham and goes on tour to Egypt, Africa and Australia
Golden Wedding At Ellel House Golden Wedding At Ellel House
Home movie 1950 4 mins Silent Location: Galgate
50 years together - congratulations! A family celebration of a long and happy married life.
Astor Home Movies No. 1 Astor Home Movies No. 1
Home movie 1920 87 mins Silent Location: Cliveden
Astor family and friends at play, from boating on the River Thames to fishing in Scotland and riding at Cliveden.
Five Weddings - Cardiff and area Five Weddings - Cardiff and area
Amateur film 1940 20 mins Silent Location: Llandaff
5 gold rings, 4 sunny days, 3 long white dresses, 2 kilts and uniforms and a ceremony in Llandaff Cathedral.
Joanna Scanlan - Exclusive Q&A Joanna Scanlan - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 51 mins
Actor and writer Joanna Scanlan talks to Mia Bays, director of the BFI's Filmmaking Fund, about her career in film and television.
Baldwin's N***** Baldwin's N*****
Documentary 1969 44 mins
Horace Ové's striking portrait of the American writer James Baldwin at his sharp-witted best addressing a group of radical West Indian students in 1960s London.
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.
Nehemich Nehemich
Drama 2023 23 mins
Banished in a dilapidated village hut during her menstruation, a young girl waits to elope with her lover.