Birch Collection: 5: Sierra Leone, Sussex Bay/Ampana/Monampa 1949

This film is held by the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum (ID: 2005/046/005).

Synopsis

Most of the film features the Birches and friends young and old at leisure on the beaches of Sussex bay on the Freetown peninsula in Sierra Leone. Some sequences demonstrate its beautiful setting; others also show native settlements and gatherings. Notes suggest that a lengthy sequence with two young Chimps is at Ampana; while a dramatic demonstration of manpowered pile driving is possibly at Monampa. The film closes with a busy and colourful waterside market.

Production / Donor Details: Films taken by John Birch. In the 1950s the John and Daphne Birch were mainly in Sierra Leone, where he was head of Unilever, and also held a position on the Legislative Council; the majority of the films cover time there and on holidays abroad and in Sussex. John Birch was a member of Royal African Society, Bristol branch.

 

Titles

  • Birch Collection: 5: Sierra Leone, Sussex Bay/Ampana/Monampa 1949 (Archive)
Series Title:
Birch Collection
 

Technical Data

Year:
1949
Film Gauge (Format):
8mm
Sound:
Mute
Footage:
300ft
 

Production Credits

Production Details
See synopsis