Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1938-1947 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
11 volumes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
By the mid 1930s there was a general interest throughout the labour movement in film propaganda. A Joint Film Committee from the Labour Party, the TUC and the Co-operative Movement first met in January 1938. The Committee recommended the establishment of a joint film organization, to be known as the Workers' Film Association (WFA). Joseph Reeves was appointed Secretary-Organizer, and the organization seems to have started its operations in October 1938. At an early stage contacts were made with Labour organizations, and the WFA decided to assist the Labour Party with election propaganda. A free film service was to be provided to marginal constituencies, together with short films of the party leaders. The Association developed an extensive library and distribution service, films were produced, distributed and exhibited, and film equipment was sold. During World War Two, the activities of the Association continued, but were were seriously curtailed. In 1946 the Association merged with the Co-Operative Movement's National Film Service, to form the National Film Association.
Archival history
GB 1924 WFA 1938-1947 Collection (Fonds) 11 volumes Workers' Film Association
By the mid 1930s there was a general interest throughout the labour movement in film propaganda. A Joint Film Committee from the Labour Party, the TUC and the Co-operative Movement first met in January 1938. The Committee recommended the establishment of a joint film organization, to be known as the Workers' Film Association (WFA). Joseph Reeves was appointed Secretary-Organizer, and the organization seems to have started its operations in October 1938. At an early stage contacts were made with Labour organizations, and the WFA decided to assist the Labour Party with election propaganda. A free film service was to be provided to marginal constituencies, together with short films of the party leaders. The Association developed an extensive library and distribution service, films were produced, distributed and exhibited, and film equipment was sold. During World War Two, the activities of the Association continued, but were were seriously curtailed. In 1946 the Association merged with the Co-Operative Movement's National Film Service, to form the National Film Association.
The papers were transferred to the TUC Library Collections in the University of North London by the TUC in January 1998.
Financial records of the Workers' Film Association, 1938-1947, comprising: Purchases Journal/Day Books (outgoings), 1941-1946; Sales Journals, 1941-1946; Cash Books (Incomings and Outgoings), 1938-1947; Petty Cash summary, 1941-1946; Sundries Ledger, 1941-1946 (accounts with suppliers and creditors).
Open to bona fide researchers at the discretion of the TUC Librarian.
At the discretion of the TUC Librarian and subject to copyright conditions.
English
List, copy at the National Register of Archives, Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.
The British Labour Movement and Film, 1918-1939 by Stepeh G Jones (Routledge & Kegan Paul, London 1987); Deadly Parallels: Film and the Left in Britain, 1929-1939 by Bert Hogenkamp (Lawrence & Wishart, London, 1896).
Compiled by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project. Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000 and National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. Mar 2002 Adult education Artists Cinema Educational systems Film industry Film makers Film making Films Workers education Workers Film Association
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The papers were transferred to the TUC Library Collections in the University of North London by the TUC in January 1998.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Financial records of the Workers' Film Association, 1938-1947, comprising: Purchases Journal/Day Books (outgoings), 1941-1946; Sales Journals, 1941-1946; Cash Books (Incomings and Outgoings), 1938-1947; Petty Cash summary, 1941-1946; Sundries Ledger, 1941-1946 (accounts with suppliers and creditors).
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System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open to bona fide researchers at the discretion of the TUC Librarian.
Conditions governing reproduction
At the discretion of the TUC Librarian and subject to copyright conditions.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
- Latin
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
List, copy at the National Register of Archives, Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
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Note
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Description control area
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Rules and/or conventions used
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000 and National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English