The films of Sagar Mitchell and James Kenyon were commissioned between 1900 and 1913 by touring showmen in the days before purpose-built cinemas. Shot mainly in the north of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, they were advertised as 'Local Films for Local People' and screened at town halls, village fetes and local fairs.

The Mitchell & Kenyon Collection contains twenty-six films shot in Ireland between May 1901 and July 1902. The most impressive of these are the eighteen films celebrating the Cork International Exhibition of 1902. Commissioned by the Thomas-Edison Animated Photo Company and the fairground showman George Green, they reveal the everyday life of the people of Cork, whether leaving their factories, attending sporting events or enjoying the lavish splendour of the exhibition grounds.

Views of Cork
Albert Quay in Cork (1902)
Tram Ride from King Street to Patrick's Bridge, Cork (1902)
Views of the Grand Parade, Cork (1902)
Workers Leaving Lee Boot Factory - Dwyer & Co. Ltd (1902)
Regiments Returned from Boer War to Victoria Barracks, Cork (1902)
Sports Day at Queen's College Ground (1902)
Cork Fire Brigade Turning Out (1902)
Congregation Leaving St Patrick's Church, Cork (1902)
Congregation Leaving St Mary's Dominican Church, Cork (1902)

Cork International Exhibition
Preparation of Cork Exhibition Grounds and Erection of Buildings (1902)
Panorama of Cork Exhibition Grounds (1902)
Trade Procession at Opening of Cork Exhibition (1902)
Arrival of VIPs for Official Opening of Cork Exhibition (1902)
Lord Mayor of Cork Arriving for Official Opening of Cork Exhibition (1902)
The Visit of the Duke of Connaught and Prince Henry of Prussia (1902)

Cork Regattas
Final of International Cup at Cork Regatta (1902)
Crews Practising on River Lee at Cork Regatta (1902)
Two-oared Boat Race, Sunday's Well, Cork (1902)