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
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl
Behind the scenes at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: as readers enter by the front door, acquisitions arrive by lorry at the back.
From the collection of:
Overview
As readers enter the elevated front entrance of The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth - which will provide them with a panoramic view of the town when they leave, and a glorious sunset if they are lucky - a lorry arrives round the back with new acquisitions, some of which are very old and will need conservation and binding before they can be viewed. Ifan ab Owen Edwards’ film reveals the work that goes on behind the scenes and introduces the Library’s unique treasures.
Ifan ab Owen Edwards, scholar, educationalist and founder of the youth movement Urdd Gobaith Cymru [Welsh League of Hope], shot this film in order to promote the nation’s fledgling treasure-house which was royally opened on 15/7/1937. It was shown at Urdd centres across Wales and library staff were grateful to its maker for introducing so many thousands of people to the “scope, size, and purpose of the Library” (Annual Report 1937-38). As one of six legal deposit libraries in the UK and Ireland, the Library receives, on request, a copy of any publication printed in the UK and, since 2013, any material published digitally and online. It also receives donations of material from a multitude of other sources.
Related
Watch for free
Miriam Conquers Pendinas Miriam Conquers Pendinas
Home movie 1969 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Onwards and upwards goes toddler Miriam Jones, her little legs taking her to the very top of Aberystwyth's hill fort, Pen Dinas.
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975 Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975
Home movie 1975 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Children dressed as double yellow lines indicate that parking in Aberystwyth has been an issue across the centuries!
Watch for free
Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch
Home movie 1965 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
A shoal of mackerel has drawn hordes of fishermen and women to Tanybwlch beach, Aberystwyth, on a warm summer's evening.
Watch for free
Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967 Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967
Home movie 1967 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Victor Williams returns to his roots for a holiday that offers trampolines, donkey rides and dodgem-type cars for his daughters to enjoy.
Watch for free
For Those in Peril - offcuts For Those in Peril - offcuts
Documentary 1974 10 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
The men, the inflatable boat and the equipment that help keep those in peril on the sea around Aberystwyth safe.
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Post Office Aberystwyth Post Office
Non-Fiction 1960 3 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Snapshot of the postal service as it was run c.1960 at the now defunct but purpose-built Aberystwyth Post Office building (1906-2016).
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 children’s 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.