Archive film footage dating back to the 1920s has been rediscovered in Cornwall.

As well as producing mining equipment, Holmans of Camborne also had a film unit.

It recorded day-to-day life in the factories, before the industry declined.

When the factories closed, Holmans left behind 160 reels of footage. This has recently been re-digitised by Cornish company Azook.

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In its heyday, Holmans employed over 3,000 local people, across three sites. Now the factories are in ruins - one has been completely demolished and replaced by a supermarket car park.

And yet Holmans lives on here, thanks to the work of its film unit. Reels of footage dating from the 1920s to 1960s bring to life a thriving, bustling Camborne.

As the footage flickers into life, scenes of office, factory and foundry workers appear.

Men in flat caps and braces pour liquid metal from huge vats, men in suits perch in front of drawing boards, and women in flowered dresses skip down the office steps.

and women in flowered dresses skip down the office steps.

and women in flowered dresses skip down the office steps.

And stockings with big knickers. :devil:

Excellant bit of video. 🙂