George Tucker Collection

The George A Tucker collection comprises approximately fourteen hundred photographs including photographs taken during between the 1930s and the 1950s. There are 3 members’ cards, two from Yorkshire Stall Holders Association from 1912 and 1916 and one from the Yorkshire section of the Showmen’s Guild, 1937.

Little is known of George Tucker other than the fact that all of his photographs were developed by gaslight. He corresponded with other fairground enthusiasts of this generation, including Philip Bridle and Rowland Scott, but his main legacy is of course his photographic collection. The images relate mainly to fairs and showfamilies in South and South East of the country and consist of general fairground shots and detailed photographs of fairground transport.

However, the uniqueness of this photographic material lies not in the sharpness and quality of the image, which is of the highest quality, but the wealth of descriptive detail that is pencilled on the back of the photograph. One example of the thoroughness and meticulous cataloguing is the following information taken from the back of one of his photographs:

'Bertramm Mills Circus, At Southsea Common, 30-6-57. Trailer No 76, by Caranes (Dereham) Ltd, about 1932, on 27'x 6' tyres, 3/4 F.NTwo Thus 75 and 76 for stable equipment and tents. Has extra board on top of side stanchions.'

Another photograph includes the information that the photograph was taken by G A Tucker on the 4th of August 1952 (the majority of the photographs date back to the 1950s and early 1960s). As well as including details of the location and date of the fair, Mr Tucker then records in detail the type of trailer he had photographed and finished with a description under:

'Colours: - Rd with biscuit yellow underboxes. In June 1954 repainted different style, biscuit body with brown border, lettered amusements in blue.'

Catalogued by type

These images make up part of the image database collection which is available to view by appointment in the NFA reading room. Other items must be requested prior to visit.

Donated by the Fairground Association of Great Britain and Miss D. Ablett.

Photographs on image database. Other items listed by type. Contact the NFA for further information.

Description compiled by Jane Donaldson