This collection contains a facsimile of 674 photographs c.1930 from the Wall of Death riders highlighting their travels mainly in Norway and Sweden and featuring other acts of that era. Included in the collection are photographs of the Crown Prince of Sweden opening the show in 1936 and staff working at Butlins, Skegness.
Alma Johnson/Skid Skinner Collection
Archive Collection
- For more information, email the repository
- Advice on accessing these materials
- Cite this description
- Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb2314-0046
- This material is held at
- ReferenceGB 2314 0046
- Dates of Creationc1930s
- Name of Creator
- Language of Materialenglish
- Physical Description674 images
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Alma 'Dare Devil' Skinner worked working at Butlins in Skegness when a wall-of-death show was brought in to entertain the visitors. Eager to earn more money, she became proficient as a stunt rider in just two weeks becoming quite a novelty as a female rider.
Alma toured as a Wall of Death rider across the UK and also Scandinavia and Germany. Whilst working abroad, she me her husband, Horace 'Skid' Skinner, who was also a Wall of Death rider.
The outbreak of the Second World War brought her career to an end, although she continued riding motorbikes until the age of 80.
Skid Skinner was killed in a hunting accident in 1944.
Access Information
These items make up part of the image database collection which is available to view by appointment in the NFA reading room.
Other Finding Aids
Image database.
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Jane Donaldson
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright: Alma Skinner