Children's Party, Playing with Ball

What would a party be without balloons? The delight of these Edwardian children resonates across the years.

"Wouldn't this game be a lot easier if we didn't have to wear these stupid hats?" Although the outfits are different, the natural, delighted excitement of these well-to-do Edwardian children at a simple balloon is completely recognisable today. The game also provides the perfect distraction from the unfamiliar camera, helping to capture unselfconscious play.

The Passmore family films are some of the earliest home movies in existence, featuring Alfred Ernest Passmore (1867-1948) and his family at home and on holiday between 1902 and 1903.