The Roberts London Christmas message of 2013 begins outside Buckingham Palace with a simple thank-you. Published on 25 December, the film brings together a personal greeting from Barry, reflections on handmade jewellery and a short sequence of festive London views.

Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial form the backdrop to the spoken message. Later, the camera moves to Trafalgar Square, where visitors gather around the fountains and Christmas tree, before returning to London after dark.

A Christmas thank-you from Buckingham Palace

Barry opens by wishing everyone a merry Christmas. He then thanks the people who have supported Roberts & Co during the year: customers who bought pieces, readers of the blog, social-media followers and viewers of the YouTube channel. The message recognises each of those contributions to the business and its future.

The original description calls it a personal thank-you rather than a speech. That distinction fits the film’s direct, conversational style. Wrapped up against the cold, Barry speaks into the camera with the palace and memorial behind him.

Handmade gifts and sentimental value

At the heart of the message is a reflection on what happens to jewellery after it leaves the workshop. Barry acknowledges the value of the precious metal, then considers the greater personal meaning a piece can acquire for its owner, particularly when given at Christmas.

He hopes that the pieces will be cared for and become heirlooms for future generations. Quality and style, he explains, are things he keeps in mind while making them. It is a brief statement of the relationship between the work at the bench and the life of an object once someone wears or gives it.

Looking ahead to 2014, he mentions exciting plans before returning to a more immediate wish: a day spent with loved ones, plenty to eat and a favourite film on television.

Christmas scenes in Trafalgar Square

After the spoken greeting, music accompanies views of Trafalgar Square. The camera looks across one of the fountains towards the surrounding buildings, then takes in Nelson’s Column and the Christmas tree. People move through the square and pause around its central landmarks.

These scenes give the film a second rhythm. The direct address gives way to a chance to look around, with the tree, fountains and crowds recording a small part of London’s festive atmosphere in 2013.

London after dark

The closing sequence moves into the night. Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial stand illuminated beneath a dark sky, while another shot shows a Christmas tree against a stone façade. A final greeting brings the short film to a close.

Watch the original 2013 Christmas message

Originally published on YouTube on 25 December 2013. The production notes list a Canon IXUS 510HS, a Trust Starzz microphone, a Windows PC and Windows Movie Maker.