Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
Harrogate, Glasgow, Renfrew Aerodrome
Take to the skies in this wonderful short amateur film from 1931 showing Glasgow city streets, Renfrew Aerodrome, Biggles-style flying gear and some flimsy looking planes.
From the collection of:
Overview
Take to the skies in this wonderful short amateur film from Clifford Strain, showing Glasgow city streets and Renfrew Aerodrome in 1931. Watch in awe as a variety of flimsy looking planes put on a display for your delight and delectation, and meet elegant ladies and gentlemen in furs and Biggles-style flying gear. Climb on board for some spectacular aerial shots - and look out for the Queen Mary being built in the Clyde shipyards below. Unmissable.
Filmed by Clifford Strain, who worked as a photographer and film-maker during the 1930s. Previously working in the shipping industry, Clifford decided to pursue his long term interest in film and opened a studio in Glasgow, initially undertaking commercial photography and advertising films. He later worked as Assistant Director at the Gaumont British Picture Corporation in London, but after suffering health problems, Strain left the film business and established a successful tomato farm in Harrogate in 1937, which he ran until his retirement in 1960. The air display featured may have been Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus, showcasing the potential of flight to the general public for the first time.
Related
Home and Away No. 4 Home and Away No. 4
1955 16 mins Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Swan Hunter’s Neptune Yard, Newcastle, and fishing at Loch Aweside.
Cargo for Ardrossan Cargo for Ardrossan
Documentary 1939 18 mins Location: Islay
Oil arrives at the Ayrshire coast: this fine documentary by Ruby Grierson tells the story.
Home and Away No. 20 Home and Away No. 20
Industry sponsored film 1960 13 mins Location: Renfrew
Is that a dinosaur in the shipyard? A new Jurassic-looking crane arrives on the Clyde, plus a look at tyre making and a Scottish regatta.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.