Bolesworth, George, 1921 - 1987
Biography
George Bolesworth was a travelling showman from the London and Home Counties Section of the Showmen’s Guild. George was also an amateur film maker who used to hold film nights after closing time on the fairgrounds for everyone’s enjoyment.
George was born in the east end of London to Henry and Emily Bolesworth (neé Harris) in 1921 . He married Dinah Wightwick (1922-1990) in 1944 in Gravesend, Kent. They travelled mostly around London and the Home Counties, but they also attended some of the major fairs up and down the country.
George and Dinah had a series of game stalls including a Spinner which they travelled for many years and after which they acquired a Bingo and hooplas. For a short time they had an arcade in Folkstone and one of the first "Swag Shops" which they held for several years, while still travelling the fairs at the same time.
George’s amateur films, show a variety of street fairs and major fairs in the country as well as his family’s leisure time activities and domestic events such as family weddings, visits to fairs and holidays in various locations in Spain, Europe and the south coast of England. These films provide a reflection on the showland families’ way of life during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s as well as a historical journey through three decades of fairgrounds and popular entertainment.
George died in 1987 aged 66 and Dinah in 1990 aged 68.
Found in 12 Collections and/or Records:
Alice Holliday and Emerly and Sophie Party Film, c1959 - 1972
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holiday and event. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.
David, Dickie, Robert Wedding, Bullfighter Film, c1959 - 1972
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family event and holiday abroad. Super8 format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.
Film, c1959 - 1972
A collection of mostly amateur films shot by showman George Bolesworth, some of British fairgrounds and some of his own family while on holidays abroad or on family events and celebrations.
George Bolesworth Collection
Reels of 8mm and Super8 amateur, silent and colour film, shot by Mr George Bolesworth at various locations in England and Spain. All the themes are around, fairs and family activities such as holidays as well as other type of popular entertainments.
Hamburg Film, 1970
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. Super8 format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.
Holiday Cornwall 1967 and Bull Fight 1964 Film, 1964, 1967
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays in Cornwall and abroad. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.
Italy Film, 1966
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. 8mm format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.
Majorca Bullfight film, 1964
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth while on holiday with his family. Silent. Colour.
Majorca Film, 1960
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. 8mm format. No leader. Silent. Colour.
Majorca: Ladybird Film, 1971
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. Super8 format. Silent. Colour.
Spain Film, 1969 - 1970
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. Super8 format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.
Steam Fair, Oxford Fair, Linda in Spain, Brands Hatch Film, 1959
Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of British steam fairs and family holiday abroad. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.
Filtered By
- Subject: Travel X
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Object 11
- Collection 1
- Subject
- Amusement rides 3
- Fairground art 3
- Fairs 3
- Family 11
- Transport 3