Newly Digitised Film About Wimbledon In The 1950s

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 114 months ago

Last Updated 14 April 2015

Newly Digitised Film About Wimbledon In The 1950s

This lovely short film shows what life was like in Wimbledon in 1951. Made by Wimbledon Cine Club, it has recently been digitised by London's Screen Archives (LSA).

Over 12 or so minutes it covers what happens when you put out the bins and where your waste water goes as well as the provision of more bucolic amenities such as Wimbledon Common and Cannizaro Park ("a close rival to Kew Gardens" — but is it actually pictured in the film? LSA aren't sure). Local sports facilities get a look in too, with tennis courts (outside of those in the All England Club), bowls greens and cricket pitches all being well used. It concludes with four full minutes on the "ancient ceremony of Mayor making" in the Council Chambers.

There's much more to be found on London's Screen Archives — a treasure trove of local London film. Also, this year we're celebrating 50 years of the London Boroughs.