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 4 Collections and/or Records:

Central Hall Poster, 25 September c1900 - 1920

Item — Frame Fred Holmes Frame 3: Series 178R34

Reference code: 178R34.6

Scope and Contents

Norfolk Street, Sheffield. Jasper Redfern's Animated Pictures and Vaudeville Entertainment. Gravetta and Parr - impersonators, comedy and juggling. Percy Farrimonde - singer. Madame Gavetta - vocalist. Stanert and Yondi - musical entertainers. Imperial Concert Orchestra. Printed by Jas Neville, 134 Carver St. Moorhead, Sheffield. Blue type on off white background with blue border.

Dates: 25 September c1900 - 1920

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Fred Holmes Collection / Posters

Central Hall Poster, c1900 - 1920

Item — Frame Fred Holmes Frame 4: Series 178R34

Reference code: 178R34.7

Scope and Contents Norfolk Street, Sheffield. Jasper Redfern's World Renowned Animated Pictures and Refined Vaudeville Entertainment. King Edward Opening the Kingsway. The Late Sir Henry Irving's Funeral. Admiral Lord Nelson Centenary celebrations. Prince and Princess of Wales leaving for India. Dexterria in her Cabinet Mystery. Grand Pictorilia, illustrated songs. Pattie Varley - soprano. Beatrice Sinclair - contralto. Pulo - boy juggler. Carl Osmond - tramp lightening cartoonist. Blue type on off white...

Dates: c1900 - 1920

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Fred Holmes Collection / Posters

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

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive