[Gadsden Family Home Movie Collection: Reel 152]

The Gadsden Company has a long and proud history of manufacture, dating back to its foundation by Jabez Gadsden in 1879. The company pioneered tinplate printing in Australia, and produced the first printed can the country had seen. By 1936 the company had twelve factories spread throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s success allowed two generations of Gadsden family men – Stanley Gadsden and his son Ronald – to pursue their interest in amateur filmmaking (a relatively expensive hobby for the time). The two cameramen captured the family’s children, homes, many of its major events and holidays on film.

A collection of the films made by these Gadsden family photographers has been donated to ACMI by Chris Gadsden (Ronald’s son). The films comprise a fascinating assortment of imagery that provides a window into bygone days and customs.

This short film shows small yachts sailing on Port Phillip Bay near Frankston, Victoria in 1969. Teams of 3 are shown sailing small wooden yachts and possibly racing. Some beach scenes are included.

This film was originally made using 16mm film. Much of the footage of the sailing is overexposed and slightly out of focus.