Operatives of Acme Spinning Company, Pendlebury (1901)

A glimpse of early filmmaking showmanship as James Kenyon marshals Lancashire textile workers.

Filmmaker James Kenyon - half of the Mitchell & Kenyon duo - can be seen opening the gates at the start of this film and moving through the mass of workers. The film offers rare insight into the pair's showman tactics, designed to liven up the scene. Kenyon briefly hides behind one woman, to much hilarity. Painter LS Lowry lived in Pendlebury, and drew inspiration from textile mills like this one.