Skip to main content

Holmes, Fred (Frederick), 1878 - 1951

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1878 - 1951

Biography

Fred Holmes was an instrumental manager throughout Redfern's career, in charge of a number of itinerant shows, and later permanent shows.

Fred Holmes was born in Dronfield, Chesterfield in 1878. He started working with Jasper Redfern around 1894 becoming proficient in photography then developing to become a 'Skilled operator' of animated pictures, a camera man and projectionist.

From 1900 to 1905, he travelled extensively with Jasper Redfern and was the manager for Redfern's vaudeville and animated picture shows. Including the two seasons at Redfern's 'Palace by the Sea' in Southend where he took stills and some movies. When Jasper Redfern set up the first picture house in Sheffield, Holmes became the manager as well as general manager for Redfern's various enterprises around the country.

Redfern and Holmes parted ways in 1912 when Redfern's business folded in 1912 but Holmes was retained as manager of the New Central Hall Cinema, which was named the Tivoli in 1913.

From 1914 until his retirement in 1937, Holmes was the manager of the Heeley Electric Palace on Chesterfield Road. In 1939 he moved to Tupton, Derbyshire and worked at Rawson's brewery, Sheffield during the war.

Fred Holmes died in 1951.

Found in 14 Collections and/or Records:

Animated Picture Exhibition Rules, c1900 - 1920

 Item — Box Fred Holmes Box 2: Series 178K38; Series 178T31; Series 178Z31
Reference code: 178Z31.3
Scope and Contents

Rules for animated picture and cinematograph exhibitions. Typed.

Dates: c1900 - 1920

Cinematograph Act 1909 Licence, 1913

 Item — Box Fred Holmes Box 2: Series 178K38; Series 178T31; Series 178Z31
Reference code: 178Z31.8
Scope and Contents

A copy of the Cinematograph Act 1909 Licence in an envelope.

Dates: 1913

Correspondence, 1900 - 1914

 Series — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21
Scope and Contents

Collection of letters, envelopes, stamps, telegrams and tickets.

Dates: 1900 - 1914

Correspondence from The Warwick Trading Company Ltd., 17 June 1912

 Item — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.7
Scope and Contents

Details of bioscope/Cinephone films on loan. Sheffield.

Dates: 17 June 1912

Cutlers’ Hall Handbill, c1900 - 1920

 Item — Box Fred Holmes Box 2: Series 178K38; Series 178T31; Series 178Z31
Reference code: 178Z31.7
Scope and Contents

Sheffield rules for animated picture and cinematograph exhibitions.

Dates: c1900 - 1920

Fred Holmes Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0065
Scope and Contents

A collection of material including posters, programmes, handbills, newspaper cuttings and photographs relating to the shows of Jasper Redfern mainly in the Sheffield and surrounding areas. The collection was created by Fred Holmes who was a manager for Jasper Redfern of Sheffield, a pioneer of early film and exhibition. Jasper Redfern was the first man to show films in Sheffield. Also included in the collection is correspondence between Fred Holmes and Jasper Redfern.

Dates: c1895 - 1925

Letter and Pass from Jasper Redfern, 5 June 1907

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.4
Scope and Contents

Letter with Special Pass.

Dates: 5 June 1907

Letter from Fred Holmes, 1900

 Item — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.3
Scope and Contents

Letter from Fred Holmes.

Dates: 1900

Letters, 1900 - 1914

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.5
Scope and Contents

Various letters.

Dates: 1900 - 1914

Letters from Jasper Redfern to Fred Holmes, 1903 - 1910

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.1
Scope and Contents

Letters, envelopes, stamps and tickets. Includes one photocopy.

Dates: 1903 - 1910

Letters to Fred Holmes from various people, 1903 - 1910

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.2
Scope and Contents

Letters, envelopes, stamps and tickets.

Dates: 1903 - 1910

Sheffield Corporation Act 1883 Licences Document, 1912 - 1913

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 2: Series 178K38; Series 178T31; Series 178Z31
Reference code: 178Z31.2
Scope and Contents

Licences for Public Dancing, Public Music, Public Singing.

Dates: 1912 - 1913

Telegrams, 1907 - 1911

 File — Box Fred Holmes Box 1: Series 178C109; Series 178F21; Series 178G20; Series 178H14; Series 178I18
Reference code: 178F21.6
Scope and Contents

Various telegrams.

Dates: 1907 - 1911

Various Items, c1895 - 1920

 Series — Box Fred Holmes Box 2: Series 178K38; Series 178T31; Series 178Z31
Reference code: 178Z31
Scope and Contents

Collection of Various Items mainly relating to Jasper Redfern's Motion Pictures, as well as other entertainments and events.

Dates: c1895 - 1920