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Bolesworth, George, 1921 - 1987

 Person

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 26 Collections and/or Records:

Ronny Film, 1969

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.20
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1969

Spain Film, 1969 - 1970

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.13
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. Super8 format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1969 - 1970

Steam Fair, Oxford Fair, Linda in Spain, Brands Hatch Film, 1959

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.18
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of British steam fairs and family holiday abroad. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1959

Untitled No.1 Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.2
Scope and Contents

8mm format. No leader. Silent. Colour. Kodachrome safety stock.

Dates: c1959 - 1972

Untitled No.2 Film, 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.14
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth. Super8 format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1972

Winchester, Newbury, Banbury Pool Film, 1961 - 1962

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.3
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of British fairs. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1961 - 1962

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 25
Collection 1
 
Subject
Amusement rides 6
Fairground art 6
Fairs 7
Family 19
Showman 24
∨ more
Transport 3
Travel 12
+ ∧ less