This film is part of Free
Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa (1904)
The entry of the teams and action from both halves of an Edwardian football game at Ewood Park.
Overview
This is the earliest of two games filmed by Mitchell and Kenyon at Blackburn's Ewood Park. The negative was badly damaged, giving the picture a snowed-out look, but the competitive zeal is clear enough. Unusually for M&K's football films, the camera captures a (rather scrappy) home team goal, to the visible frustration of Villa players, who mount a furious protest. Blackburn went on to win 4-0.
At first glance it's hard to distinguish the distinctive blue and white halved kit of Blackburn Rovers as the players march out onto the pitch. This is due to the particular sensitivities of the orthochromatic film stock in use at this time, which couldn't detect red colours and was oversensitive to blue. Look closer though, and it's possible to make out a difference in shade with the white pocket on the blue half. Special thanks to Dean Beresford, who identified this match as the First Division game played at Blackburn's Ewood Park on the 10th September 1904.
Related
Everton v Liverpool (1902) Everton v Liverpool (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 5 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The earliest surviving Merseyside derby on film catches two of Everton's goals in a 3-1 home win.
England v Ireland at Manchester (1905) England v Ireland at Manchester (1905)
Non-Fiction 1905 2 mins Silent Location: Manchester
An Edwardian contest between teams representing the English and Irish Football Leagues, with plenty of goal-line action.
Burnley v Manchester United (1902) Burnley v Manchester United (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent Location: Burnley
First-ever footage of Manchester United in a tense Edwardian football fixture.
Sheffield United v Bury (1902) Sheffield United v Bury (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Sparkling images of fans and players at an Edwardian fixture at Sheffield's Bramall Lane.
Everton v Newcastle United (1902) Everton v Newcastle United (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 8 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The camera is a welcome distraction to the spectators of a home defeat at Goodison Park.
Preston North End v Aston Villa (1905) Preston North End v Aston Villa (1905)
Non-Fiction 1905 2 mins Silent Location: Preston
Early football giants Preston and Villa face up in an epic Edwardian contest.
Blackburn Rovers V. West Bromwich 1898 Blackburn Rovers V. West Bromwich 1898
Non-Fiction 1898 1 mins Silent Location: Ewood Park, Blackburn
A little piece of football history from the people's game: possibly the earliest surviving game on film
Million Spectators Welcome Return of Football Million Spectators Welcome Return of Football
Non-Fiction 1923 2 mins Silent Location: Ewood Park, Blackburn
A whirlwind tour of the 1923-24 season opener: Manchester City's Maine Road debut, Blackburn v Chelsea and goals for Spurs against Preston North End.
Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United (1907) Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United (1907)
Non-Fiction 1907 2 mins Silent Location: Ewood Park, Blackburn
An Edwardian First Division football match played at Blackburn's Ewood Park Stadium.
Blackburn v... (1904) Blackburn v... (1904)
Non-Fiction 1904 0 mins Silent Location: Ewood Park, Blackburn
Blackburn Rovers play at home at Ewood Park to an unidentified team in an Edwardian football fixture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.