Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
British Home Design 1935
A stunning promotional film presenting a picture of the huge growth of suburbia in the 1930s; featuring Art Deco and British Moderne style buildings with acres of Crittal wndows.
From the collection of:
Overview
This fascinating snapshot from the 1930s shows how our forebears solved their housing crisis with a vast programme of development - creating what we now view as the archetypal suburb. With a commentary that chimes in with home-owning aspirations we see various developments around London's leafy perimeter. Extending as far south as Horsham they all offer clean and efficient modern housing within commuting distance to the metropolis while retaining their rural setting.
Davis Estates Ltd was one of several developers involved in the greatest expansion of housing Britain had ever seen. Addressing an acute housing shortage, numerous new suburbs were built in the open country that surrounded many towns and cities. This film concentrates on London and the South East and one of its selling points is the proximity of its new developments to good transport links to London β enabling one to work in the metropolis and return to one's own home in leafy suburbia. Notice how few cars there are on the streets of the new suburbs, yet the film mentions that Davis Estates' more high-end homes have a garage attached. Now you could tear up your rent book and own your own home for up to Π950 freehold!
Related
Watch for free
London: Late Emperor of Japan London: Late Emperor of Japan
Non-Fiction 1912 0 mins Silent Location: London
Journalists congregate outside the Japanese embassy in London following the announcement of the death of the Emperor Meiji.
Watch for free
Two Dosas Two Dosas
Comedy 2014 16 mins Location: London
Geeky Pavan takes his 'English Rose' on a date to the most authentic Indian restaurant in the city. To his horror she goes off-menu, in Hindi...
Watch for free
Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: London
Capital scenes thanks to Victorian filmmakers
Watch for free
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands
Non-Fiction 1897 1 mins Silent Location: London
The Band of the First Life Guards approaches Westminster Bridge during Queen Victoriaβs Diamond Jubilee.
Watch for free
Lord Roberts' Arrival in London Lord Roberts' Arrival in London
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Location: London
A conquering Boer War hero enjoys a rapturous homecoming parade
Watch for free
Foundling Hospital Sports Day Foundling Hospital Sports Day
1899 2 mins Silent Location: London
A sports day gives the young residents of the Foundling Hospital a chance to let off steam
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.