[Gadsden Family Home Movie Collection: Reel 58]

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 film captures Gadsden family gatherings at the poolside and for a Christmas party at their Toorak, Melbourne home in the 1970s.

There are some great examples of 1970s style fashion trends and hair styles across the generations and a view into the family’s life at home, such as enjoying their backyard pool. Unusually, filmmaker Ron himself is filmed handing out the presents at the Christmas party.

This film was originally made using Super 8mm film.

Selected highlights list:
00:00:15:00 scenes of family floating the pool in the family garden
00:00:40:00 an array of fashion of the era
00:00:58:00 a beer moment
00:01:28:00 Ron Gadsden in a 1970s style cravat
00:02:46:00 Ron distributes Christmas presents
00:03:41:00 Jess Gadsden in the pool