The collection comprises photographs of Billy Bellhouse in action on the Wall of Death , handbills advertising the act, newspaper reports and a record of his income on the Wall during this time, including the amount of tips per performance.
Billy Bellhouse Collection
Archive Collection
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- Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb2314-nfa0038
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- ReferenceGB 2314 NFA 0038
- Dates of Creation1930s
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description633 photographs, 2 boxes of ephemera
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Billy Bellhouse was a former Sheffield Speedway rider who between 1932 and 1935 travelled throughout Europe on a Wall of Death show. His main speciality was in fact the Globe of Death, on which he performed gravity defying leaps on his 'Indian' motorbike.
Whilst performing in Spain in 1935, Billy Bellhouse had an accident and had to travel back to England. Although his love of motorbikes continued, he never performed on the Wall of Death again and opened a fish and chip shop business in Sheffield, a trade which his son Jim has continued.
Arrangement
Catalogued according to type.
Access Information
The photographs make up part of the image database collection which is available to view by appointment in the NFA reading room. Digitisation and record funded by the Pilgrim Trust. Contact the NFA for details of other items.
Acquisition Information
Donated by his son, Jim Bellhouse.
Other Finding Aids
Photographs on digital image collection. Other items listed by type.
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Jane Donaldson.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright: National Fairground Archive