Workers Leaving the Jute Works, Barrow (1902)
A cheerful, largely female crowd makes their way home from work.
This example of the many 'factory gate' films made by Mitchell & Kenyon shows a largely female workforce, which helps to identify the unnamed factory as the Jute textile works. The showman, in a bowler hat, glances at the camera and playfully jostles one of the women. There's no attempt to hide the artifice - the acknowledgment of the camera's presence is encouraged.
The film was commissioned by Ralph Pringle, proprietor of the North American Animated Photo Company and a regular collaborator of Mitchell & Kenyon from 1901 on. The Barrow Herald for 21 February 1902 promotes one of Pringle's presentations, announcing a show which included 'The Mad Mullah' as well as 'Living Barrow'.