The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
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Sunday Occupation
This intriguing and detailed film shot at Guiseley station explains the significance of railway modernisation and maintenance.
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Overview
This absorbing film from Guiseley details the importance of Sunday repairs and renovation at railway stations. The camera carefully follows complex purpose-built machinery as old sleepers and tracks are removed and new modern ones are fitted. To compliment the visuals, a local commentator supplies detailed aural information to satisfy the most ardent train fans.
Guiseley train station was opened in 1865 and remains in active use today. It is estimated that 1 million passengers pass through the station every year. The opening shot of the film, which sees a train arrive at the station from an angle on the platform, is reminiscent of one of the earliest films in cinema history. In 1896 the Lumiere Brothers released a short film known as Train Pulling into a Station. Early cinema audiences were so mesmerised by the pictures that they reportedly rushed from the theatre for fear of being run over by the approaching onscreen train.
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