Taylor's Printers, Wombwell, Yorks (Established c1890)
Biography
Taylor's of Wombwell began as a small local jobbing printer in the 1890s in the then small mining town of Wombwell in Southern Yorkshire. The founder, Albert Taylor, supplied the printing needs of this small community and surrounding area. Taylor's two eldest sons were responsible for catapulting the family business into the world of showbusiness.
Returning home from the battlefields of World War I, Taylor's two eldest sons had a lucky break when they managed, at short notice, to print the publicity for a London theatrical agent whose touring show was just about to open in Barnsley. In order to fulfil the order, the brothers had to saw up the kitchen table in the shape of a gigantic "W" for the posters. Their effort so impressed the agent that he promised the brothers the bulk of his future business. He was true to his word and this proved to be the foundation on which the successful business was built.
By the mid-1920s they were one of the leading printers of entertainment industry advertising in the United Kingdom with music hall, fairground and circus showmen among their national client base. The firm became a limited company in the 1920's; and in the 1950s, Taylor's (Theatrical) Printers Ltd. was established to separate the commercial from the theatrical side of the business.
The chromolithographic pantomime posters the company produced provide a fascinating visual record of how travelling entertainment forms were marketed throughout the twentieth century.
Found in 55 Collections and/or Records:
Adam Smith Centre Kirkcaldy, Fife Poster, 18 February 1980
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King, Special guest, Charlie Williams. Red and black type on yellow background.
Adam Smith Centre Kirkcaldy Poster, 15 March 1976
The Dixie Minstrel Show featuring John Boulter with Reg Lester and David Lee. Red and black with border.
Adam Smith Centre Kirkcaldy Poster, 11 April 1977
The Al Jolson Minstrel Show featuring Clinton Ford. Red and blue type on yellow background.
Birmingham Hippodrome Poster, 28 March 1977
The Al Jolson Minstrel Show featuring Clinton Ford. Red and blue type on yellow background.
Charles Taylor Collection
The Charles Taylor collection is a fine example of Taylor’s of Wombwell printers’ posters, which highlight changes in printing techniques, fashion and taste within the popular entertainment industry. Included are examples of posters for pantomimes, fairs and circuses. The collection also contains handbills and other advertising material.
Circus Posters Printed by Taylor's of Wombwell, c1965 - 1979
Circus posters printed by Taylor's of Wombwell.
City Varieties Leeds Poster, 25 - 27 October c1979
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Duggie Chapman. Red and black type on yellow background.
Civic Hall Camberly Poster, 21 April c1970 - 1989
Ralph reader with his ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, Gordon Glenn broadcasting accordionist, Margaret White and her music, The Jenny Set, Johnny Clamp, Gerrie Raymond. Red and black.
Civic Theatre Mansfield Poster, Monday 25 - Saturday 30 April 1977
The Al Jolson Minstrel Show featuring Clinton Ford. Red and blue type on yellow background.
Colne Municipal Hall Poster, 19 April 1976
The Dixie Minstrel Show featuring John Boulter with Reg Lester and David Lee. Red and black with border.
Cyril Critchlow Collection
Eden Court Inverness Poster, 25 - 26 March 1980
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Marigold Sisters, Lee Sheraton, Beryl Johnson, Reed Delroy and Duggie Chapman. Red and black type on yellow background.
Fossett Bros. Circus Poster, c1970 - 1979
Poster left blank for overprinting location and date. Bobo musical Clown, Judy horse with the Human Brain. Red and Black type on yellow background.
Fossett Bros. Circus Poster, c1970 - 1979
Poster left blank for overprinting location and date. Rodeo, Bobo musical clown. Red and black type on yellow background.
Fossett Bros. Circus Poster, c1970 - 1979
Poster left blank for overprinting location and date. Rodeo, Bobo musical clown, Freda and Frenchi International Juggler.
Fossett Bros. Circus Poster, c1970 - 1979
Poster left blank for overprinting location and date. Rodeo, Bobo musical clown, Henleo Indian Fire Eater, Freda and Frenchi International Juggler. Red and blue type on white background.
Gaiety Theatre Ayr Poster, 22 March 1976
The Dixie Minstrel Show featuring John Boulter with Reg Lester and David Lee. Red and black with border.
Good Old Days Invites you to A Night at the Varieties Poster, Commencing 27 June c1970 - 1979
Arcadia Theatre, Skegness. Gary Webb, Ken Joy, Barbara Jackson, Red Preston, Dennis Lake, The Gorgeous Gaiety Girls, John Warwick, Julie McMahon, Colin Cresswell, Vic Riches and his music. Multicoloured type on white background and illustration.
Handbills, c1900 - 1999
Hanbills for variety, magic and illusion shows mainly in locations in Blackpool in cluding the North Pier, the Hippodrome and various theatres.
Hoe Theatre Plymouth Poster, 5 May 1975
Big Show Variety ‘75. Featuring Ralph Reader ‘Mr Gang Show’ himself Jack Mozelle comedian instrumentalist, The Kedello’s supreme speciality, Bette Gilmor saucy-but nice and others. Red and blue with border.