Employees Leaving North Eastern Engine Works, Gateshead (1901)

A tide of flat-capped rail factory workers is ushered past the camera after a day's work.

Mitchell and Kenyon’s numerous ‘factory gate’ films might look like social documentaries today, but they were originally commissioned as money-spinners for local film shows. Crowds of workers leaving for home would be herded and cajoled past the camera, then, a day or two later, encouraged by flyers and posters to buy tickets for a screening of the film and the thrill of recognising themselves.