Arthur Jones Collection

The photograph library of the FCFS (Friendship Circle of Showland Fans). This collection includes much new material relating to famous fairs, engines and rides. As well as containing a full bound set of 'Merry-Go-Round' journals, the collection also contains numerous books, letters, journals and photographs. The collection includes various catalogues and notebooks documenting the use of traction engines on the fairground - a keen topic of the FCSF - and this material is available for consultation within the Archive. Many of these notes compliment the notebooks created by Stuart Johnstone.

Arthur was the librarian of the original fairground enthusiast organisation the Friendship Circle of Showland Fans (FCSF). His role was to coordinate the borrowing of photograph albums and books. The nature of the prominence of certain individual members in the FCSF, and its over-riding imperative to document a 'bygone era' through its rapid disappearance meant that much of the photographic material of the FCSF became homogenised. Arthur's own photographs, taken in and around his Burton-on-Trent base, were not widely circulated apart from his more 'obvious' images of rides, organs and engines. However, Arthur had a keen eye and fascination for documenting the social scene of the fairground, and cataloguing his negatives have provided the NFA with an indication of his rich resources and skills.

Catalogued according to type.

The collection forms part of the NFA's Digital Collections and can be accessed by making an appointment to view the database. For other items, contact the NFA prior to visit.

Donated by his son, Glynn Jones.

Photographs on image database. Other items not yet catalogued.

Description compiled by Jane Donaldson.

Copyright: National Fairground Archive

Stuart Johnstone Collection