[Gadsden Family Home Movie Collection: Reel 149]

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 very short colour film shows a family wedding in 1947.

This film was originally made using 16mm film; it is underexposed and slightly shaky.

Selected highlights list:
00:00:15:00 two bridesmaids in blue satin dresses with floral hair pieces and colourful bouquets
00:00:25:00 the bride arrives wearing a white satin gown with a full net veil; the groom wears a classic dark suit, white shirt and tie
00:01:05:00 scenes of the bridal party and quests in front of the church
00:01:28:00 guests dressed for a 1940s style wedding