World's Fair Publications Limited (Established 1904)
Biography
The World’s Fair Newspaper was born out of the idea to provide a means of communication for the different showpeople in the various regions of the country.
Frank Mellor, supplier to the travelling showmen often found himself delivering messages between friends and family in different areas of the country, cross reporting on all aspects of fairgrounds and generally keeping people up to date with the latest innovations on the business. This naturally developed into the idea of a newspaper publication which would be primarily for and about travelling showpeople. In 1904, the first issue of The World's Fair was born in Oldham, Lancashire. This initially modest, single broadsheet soon became a thriving newspaper with a circulation of 20,000 and the main portal of reference for the trade.
Thomas Murphy in his ‘History of The Showmen's Guild’ writes that 'It was the first newspaper to devote its entire space to the news and interests of the travelling showmen'.
All aspects of fairground society are represented in the World's Fair, ranging from accounts of fairs in different regions, grounds to let, the buying and selling of equipment and the hiring of labour. Almost every aspect of the showman's business and personal life is catered for.
During the late twentieth and early twentifirst centuries, World’s Fair was run by Paul and Lynne Whatmore, members of the family that began the publication. Covering industries such as travelling circuses, magic, traction engines and theme parks as well as fairgrounds.
With a circulation of 27,000, and distribution outlets which included high street newsagents such Smiths, World’s Fair expanded its portfolio with the launch of Coinslot, which first emerged as a magazine in the 1960s, in recognition of the move by many showmen toward setting up permanent arcades and fairs in seaside resorts around the UK.
After selling Coinslot at the turn of the millennium to Bacta, from which it moved to Clarion and then to GB Media, World’s Fair remained focused on its existing titles until its recent decision to enter administration late in 2019. One of the primary factors in the failure of the publication was technology as the introduction of mobile telephones and social media weakened the publication’s standing in the sector. Although the printed version of the newspaper ceased to be published at this point an online version was launched, which has kept the publication alive.
Found in 33 Collections and/or Records:
Scrapbook, c1990 - 1999
Loose pages from scrapbooks containing newspaper cuttings from various sources including the Fairground Mercury and the World's Fair newspaper, photographs, postcards, research material, Paul Braithwaite's history and patent material and other notes by various fairground enthusiasts and compiled by Bernard Fielding.
Scrapbook of Multiple Circuses, 1940 - 1950
Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings, mostly from the World's Fair, and black and white photographs relating to multiple circuses and acts including Cirque Molier and Sanger's Circus.
Scrapbook of Multiple Circuses, 1952 - 1957
Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings from the World's Fair, black and white photographs, relating to multiple circuses and acts including Robert Fossett's, Blackpool Tower, Lord George Sanger's and Chipperfields.
Scrapbooks, c1940 - 1969
Booklets of newspaper cuttings from the World’s fair Newspaper, including British fairground Society Notes including and some booklets related to fairs particularly in the Lancashire area.
Scrapbooks, 1949 - 1963
Booklets of newspaper cuttings from the World’s fair Newspaper, including British fairground Society Notes. Also directory of the Harry Poole’s World’s Fair scrapbooks 1-20 (typescript) and Harry Poole’s scrapbooks(manuscript) containing selected references to the content.
Scrapbooks, c1920 - 1959
Scrapbooks mainly from the World's Fair newspaper relating to fairs, traction engines and showland personalities.
Scrapbooks of Fairground, Traction Engines and Showland Personalities Newspaper Cuttings, c1920 - 1959
Scrapbooks mainly from the World's Fair newspaper relating to fairs, traction engines and showland personalities. The scrapbooks include the series 'Traction Engine Snaps' written by 'Cyclist'. Volumes lettered G-J. J contains 3 loose cuttings. Various dates.
Selina Dobson Collection
This collection contains photographs, Showmen's Guild membership cards and newspaper cuttings relating to the Dobson family, as well as World War One and World War Two photographs, correspondence, medals and certificates.
Stuart Johnstone Collection
Photographs of rides, fairgrounds, traction engines and organs taken by a number of individuals as well as detailed notebooks. His notebooks are essentially digested versions of the World's Fair and include chronological guides to fairs, machines for sale, parks, engines and families.
The Stage and The World’s Fair Scrapbook, c1920 - 1939
Scrapbook containing newspaper cuttings from the Stage and The World’s Fair about performers including Charlie Chaplin, Joe Hodson and Dan Leno. 26pp, nineteen blank, seven lose pages and one lose envelope.
World's Fair Newspaper Collection
This collection consists of the complete run of The World's Fair Newspaper from 1904 to the present day. Issues from 1904 to 1950 are on microfilm.
World's Fair Scrapbook, c1930 - 1939
Scrapbook compiled mainly from elements of the World’s Fair with handwritten lists of engines. Various dates from c1930-1939 onwards.
World's Fairs Newspaper Cuttings
Selection of circus news from the World's Fair newspaper with highlighted text and some collague work, some text compiled by Don Stacey.