The Fairground Bioscope Show

(Contains Link to Video Production)

The heyday of the travelling bioscope (early silent cinematograph) shows was between the late 1890’s and the First World War. Showfolk presented picture shows on the fairground.  The show-fronts of these bioscope shows became very elaborate with ornate carvings.  Most shows also featured a large fairground organ situated on the show-front.  All the electricity was produced by steam power from a steam road locomotive stationed adjacent to the show.  A belt from the steam engines’ flywheel would drive a dynamo mounted on the front of the engine.  The dynamo could produce 110 volts D.C. – 40 amps @ 750 rpm, suitable for powering the carbon arc lighting, projector and organ. Continue reading The Early Cinema Presentations →