Alma Johnson/Skid Skinner Collection

This material is held atNational Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield Library

  • Reference
    • GB 2314 0046
  • Dates of Creation
    • c1930s
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • english
  • Physical Description
    • 674 images

Scope and Content

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.

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