Integration of theory and practice
I research and read – a fair amount – it helps my ideas develop. Historical research is of particular interest but also contemporary accounts and investigations about work and the changing nature of work particularly in relation to production.
I have recently purchased Land of Promise The British Documentary Movement 1930 – 1950. Although I considered my main focus to be situated in the post war era in terms of research, these 40 films (which I have only just begun to view) offer a valuable opportunity to see what British industry looked like in this era and to hear the accompanying commentary. Industry appears repeatedly in this group of films over a 20 years period, from pre-war through the war years, to the post war era.
In the introduction to the accompanying booklet Patrick Russell states:
“We may like to think of our own era as uniquely exciting, fast paced, unpredictable. Yet the 1930’s and 1940’s were truly tumultuous decades. In Britain they encompassed depression and partial recovery, scientific and cultural innovation, a world war threatening its very existence, then huge social reform permanently changing it”.(1)
These films include documentaries of pre-war activities such as Workers and jobs (1935) where the labour exchange processes are explored. The Transfer of skill from 1940 depicts the skilled craftsmen (and it is men who are the focus of this film) as they re-invent their skills in jewellery and watch making to produce gauges and parts for weapons for the war effort. In the essay which accompanies this film, also by Patrick Russell, he states “…the close association of manufacturing industry with national identity in both peace and war, and the importance of the skills and efforts of human beings (as much as machines) to both”. (2). In the post war era it was the section on Motion study in the Britain Can Make It (1946) efficiency and ergonomics come into play with beautiful shots of hands at work.
To accompany the exhibition of digital making next year I have a series of film screening in mind which could if its possible include some of these documentary pieces in addition to Manufactured Landscapes (Jennifer Baichwal’s film about Edward Burtynsky photography), which I have bought but not had a chance to watch yet.
1. British Film Institute Land of Promise The British Documentary Movement 1930 – 1950 Various directors and titles – see http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/info_8457.html
2. ibid p33
