The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border..
This film is part of Free
Victorian Chimney
The historic landmark of Edgbaston Waterworks, a memorial to Victorian innovation in Birmingham, is under threat. Redundant industrial eyesore or work of art?
From the collection of:
Overview
The chimney at Edgbaston waterworks was designed by noted architect J.R. Chamberlain. However by the late 1960s it was considered redundant and under threat. In January 1974 the city's Victorian Society were celebrating as the city council had finally decided, after six years, that the tower should stay. Not mentioned in this news report is that the chimney is rumoured to have been one of the towers that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien who lived nearby as a boy.
Another building in Birmingham designed by J.R. Chamberlain was less fortunate in 1974 - the original Birmingham Library in the city centre was demolished during the summer of that year.
Related
Watch for free
Arts Centre Arts Centre
Magazine and Review show 1980 5 mins Location: Edgbaston
The sight and sounds of Asia take over the Midlands Arts Centre at Edgbaston.
Watch for free
John English John English
Public Information Filler 1969 14 mins Location: Edgbaston
The original MAC Daddy; profile of Midland Arts Centre founder-director John English
Watch for free
Easter Holiday Activities Easter Holiday Activities
News 1957 6 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
Out and about across the Midlands to see what people do with their Easter Monday holiday. Spring is in the air with time for swimming, funfairs and a good honest pint.
Watch for free
Edgbaston Edgbaston
Documentary 1960 26 mins Location: Edgbaston
Edgbaston in Birmingham is an area of decaying Victoriana but can its 'charm and dignity' survive a redevelopment that will bring in 20,000 more residents?
Watch for free
Protest Outside Edgbaston Protest Outside Edgbaston
News 1971 3 mins Location: Edgbaston
Do politics and cricket mix? Tense scenes in Edgbaston as the Pakistani flag is burnt by protestors incensed by the on-going civil war in their country.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.