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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:

Alice Holliday and Emerly and Sophie Party Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.19
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holiday and event. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: c1959 - 1972

David, Dickie, Robert Wedding, Bullfighter Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.24
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: c1959 - 1972

Fancy Dress Film, 1969

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.15
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth possibly of family event. 8mm format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1969

Film, c1959 - 1972

 Series
Reference code: 178D8
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: c1959 - 1972

Gary and Baron Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.8
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth. Super8 format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: c1959 - 1972

George Bolesworth Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0111
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: c1950 - 1989

Georgia Film, 1971

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.10
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth. Super8 format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1971

Gravesend, Witney, Mitcham, Hastings, Cheltenham Film, 1960

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.4
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of British fairs. 8mm format. No leader. Silent

Dates: 1960

Hamburg Film, 1970

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.17
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: 1970

Holiday Cornwall 1967 and Bull Fight 1964 Film, 1964, 1967

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.23
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays in Cornwall and abroad. 8mm format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1964; 1967

Italy Film, 1966

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.16
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. 8mm format, Photax brand. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1966

Jammy Odd and Ends Film, 1966

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.9
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: 1966

Jimmy Botton, Ann Weltry, Eileen, John Ling, Henry Bolsover, Ronny Bently Film, 1966

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.22
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: 1966

John and Linda, Widding and Charlie Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.21
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: c1959 - 1972

Kidd Film, 1975

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.11
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth. Super8 format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1975

London Fairs Film, c1959 - 1972

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.7
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of London fairs including Blackheath and Clapham. 8mm format. Silent. Along with locations, title reads: 'Dad' and 'Mrs Ayers'.

Dates: c1959 - 1972

Majorca Bullfight film, 1964

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.6
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth while on holiday with his family. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1964

Majorca Film, 1960

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.5
Scope and Contents

Amateur film shot by George Bolesworth of family holidays abroad. 8mm format. No leader. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1960

Majorca: Ladybird Film, 1971

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.12
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: 1971

Rock n'Roll Party, 1981

 Item
Reference code: 178D8.1
Scope and Contents

Super8 format. Silent. Colour.

Dates: 1981

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