100 years in a day

A special screening of archive films with live musical accompaniment to celebrate the National Library of Scotland's 100th birthday.

'100 years in a day' will present a compilation of films from our Moving Image Archive, spanning a day's activities - from breakfast scenes, getting ready and commuting to work and school, to leisure pursuits, evening meals, entertainment and bedtime.  The films will offer a light-hearted look at everyday life and how daily rituals have changed over the last century – but may also show us that some things never change!

The Library's film collections include footage capturing Scotland and its people, from the early days of filmmaking to the present day. This celebratory screening will include classics from the archive but also some examples of historic footage which has been digitised by our specialist technicians during our centenary year. These films showcase some of the behind-the-scenes preservation and restoration work that helps to preserve Scotland's memories for the future.

The screening will be introduced by Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research at the National library of Scotland, and live musical accompaniment will be provided by pianist David Farrell.

Please join us from 6pm for complimentary refreshments before the screening starts at 6:30pm.

This screening will have subtitles.

About the musician

David Farrell is a Glasgow-based professional pianist known for his expressive and versatile playing across jazz, classical, and contemporary styles. He has extensive experience accompanying dance, having worked for Scottish Ballet, The Dance School of Scotland, and The Studio in Glasgow's West End.

His intuitive musicality and sensitivity to timing, mood, and narrative translates naturally to silent film accompaniment, where he draws on his improvisational skills to create rich, responsive soundscapes that enhance the on-screen story.

For more information, visit his website.