Braithwaite, David, 1932 - 1982
Dates
- Existence: 6 October 1932 - 4 July 1982
Biography
David Julius Braithwaite was born in Luton, Bedfordshire on the 6th of October 1932. The family moved to Northampton and as a young boy David was fascinated by the fairs which visited the town and thus began his lifelong interest and passion with the travelling fairground. He often helped with the building up of the rides and got to know some of the showmen.
David attended Northampton Grammar School where he developed art and drawing as his favourite subjects. He entered the Architectural Association School at seventeen and his subsequent career in architecture included work in various practices, teaching at Leicester, Hammersmith and Kingston School of Architecture and finally establishing his own practice in Knightsbridge, London. Here he worked in domestic, the commercial and entertainment fields, including the planning of Amusement Parks. Projects included the hall of Mirrors at Madame Tussaud’s in London and a floating theatre for children of which he was co-designer. In 1975 he was the prime mover in the rescue of the Savage Company Archives from King’s Lynn.
For many years he collected material for his book Fairground Architecture (the first book of its kind on this subject) which was first published in 1968. He also wrote a book on Frederick Savage of King’s Lynn, a booklet for Shire Publications and Building in the Blood, the history of the building firm, Dove Brothers. David Braithwaite is perhaps best known for his two influential works; ‘Fairground Architecture’ and ‘Savage of Kings Lynn’.
During the 1970's he acquired the Orton and Spooner Archive, which formed the basis of a book he was preparing to write at the time of his untimely death on July 4th 1982.
Found in 105 Collections and/or Records:
A Galaxy of Yorkshire Showmen Article, December 1966
A Galaxy of Yorkshire Showmen. In: The Dalesman, Vol 28(9), by Arthur E. Thompson. Dalesman Publishing Company Ltd, pages 706-709 with illustrations.
Acquisition Letter, 1976
Letters regarding the acquisition of Orton and Spooner material. Typescript.
Beard & Son Catalogue, c1900 - 1959
Beard & Son catalogue for Colchester Stove’s, rifle shooting funnel and strong rifle box, 4p.p with illustrations.
Bernard Fielding Collection
Photographs and scrapbooks compiled by Bernard Fielding. Each scrapbook contains a mixture of press cuttings including Fairground Mercury and World’s Fair, photographs, postcards, Paul Braithwaite history and patent material. Augmented by handwritten notes and research from other enthusiasts.
Bibliographies
Lists of publications and exhibitions related to steam engines, fairground ride patents and a Savages exhibition at King's Lynn.
Bibliography of Patents, c1960 - 1969
Index of patents and specifications for fairground rides compiled by David Braithwaite. Typescript.
Bysteam Programme, 7 - 8 September 1968
Thursford. Society for the Preservation of Steam and Motor Vehicles, Rural Crafts and Bygones. 12p.p with illustrations.
C. J. Spooner Business Card, c1900 - 1959
Business card for C.J. Spooner, designer and carver.
Charles Bunn Leaflet, c1900 - 1959
Charles Bunn advertising leaflet for Folding Lifting Jack West Bromwich. 1p. with illustrations.
Chiltern Traction Engine Club Programme, 26 - 27 July 1965
Chartridge Rally. Chartridge End Farm, Chesham. 20p.p with illustrations.
Compliment Card, c1900 - 1959
Compliments card from Modwena Hotel, Isle of Man.
Correspondence, 1901 - 1976
David Braithwaite's correspondence with various people and organisations including Orton and Spooner, Savages, The British Fairground Society, the Showland Library, The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, Allan Herschell and Kenneth Brown. Some correspondence is under his old name David Bottoms.
Correspondence with Allan Herschell, 1963
Correspondence between David Braithwaite and Allan Herschell regarding Braithwaite’s request for information on the New York company. Typescript.
Correspondence with B. Murdock, 1957
Correspondence between David Braithwaite and B. Murdock of the Showland Library, under Braithwaite’s old name David Bottoms. Typescript and manuscript.
Correspondence with H. J. Barker, 1953 - 1961
Large selection of correspondence between David Braithwaite and H.J. Barker of the British Fairground Society, including some letters under Braithwaite’s old name David Bottoms. Typescript and manuscript.
Correspondence with J. Singleton, 1963
Correspondence between David Braithwait and J. Singleton of the Amusement Caterers’ Association, regarding the publishing of David Braithwaite’s book. Typescript.
Correspondence with Kenneth Brown, 1963
Correspondence between David Braithwaite and Kenneth Brown, regarding research and writing. Typescript and manuscript.
Correspondence with Savages, 1953 - 1957
Correspondence between David Bottoms (Braithwaite) and Savages. Typescript.
Correspondence with Sergeant B. Taylor, 1963
Correspondence between David Braithwaite and Sergeant Taylor of the Fairground Society. Typescript.
Correspondence with the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, 1963 - 1964
Correspondence between David Braithwaite and the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, regarding Braithwaite’s efforts to research and publish. Typescript.