Holmes, Fred (Frederick), 1878 - 1951
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 3 Collections and/or Records:
Fred Holmes Collection
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.
Posters, 1900 - 1905
Collection of posters mainly relating to Jasper Redfern's Motion Pictures, as well as other entertainments and events.
Prince of Wales Circus, Scarborough Hippodrome Poster, c1900 - 1920
Jasper Redfern's Vaudeville and Animated Picture Company. Prof. Gillin - Ventriloquist. The Falcons - Acrobats and Hand-Balancers. Master Leonard Ankers - Boy Comedian. Madame McMullen - Soprano Vocalist. Mr. Charlton Howarth - Tenor Vocalist. Mdlle. Dulcie Murielle - Solo Pianist. Printed by G. A. Pindar, 45 St. Thomas Street, Scarborough. Handwritten bill listing on the back from 'Ye Devonshire Halle'. Black on yellow.