lencops
gone but not forgotten
The Bingley Hall 1886. Len.
"World's Fair at Bingley Hall: Under the expansive denomination of the "World's Fair," an exhibition and entertainment opened at Bingley Hall last night and embraces one of the most varied shows of the Barnum type that has ever appeared in Birmingham. The proprietors of the "show" are Messrs. J. Birkett and Randall Williams, and the general management of the affair is undertaken by Mr. John Maitland. The show includes almost everything embraced in a huge fair, from a first-class menagerie to the usual appartenances of shooting galleries, giants, and boxing booths. The most interesting section of the show is that which is occupied by the collection of animals known by the name of Bostock and Wombwell's menagerie, and comprising excellent specimens from various parts of the globe. . . . One of the chief items of attraction was the optical exhibition by Mr. Randal Williams, the entertainment last night consisting of a very clever performance of "Faust". The shooting galleries and kindred things are arranged in rows across the hall, and at the entrance is a large contrivance comprised of "sixty galloping horses," worked on an improved system. In the centre of the circle of horses a splendid" operatic organ," by Gavioli, of Paris is fixed, and during the performances plays selections fom popular operas. Around the organ a number of figures are fixed representing the different nationalities of the world. In addition to the above-mentioned attractions several curiosities are on view, including the Headless Man, the Giant Boy (15 years of age, and 6ft, 7in. high), the Great Soldier Giant, Thauma, a huge Shark, and a variety of other novelties." (Birmingham Daily Post, 25 Dec 1886. Provided by Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Sq Birmingham).
"World's Fair at Bingley Hall: Under the expansive denomination of the "World's Fair," an exhibition and entertainment opened at Bingley Hall last night and embraces one of the most varied shows of the Barnum type that has ever appeared in Birmingham. The proprietors of the "show" are Messrs. J. Birkett and Randall Williams, and the general management of the affair is undertaken by Mr. John Maitland. The show includes almost everything embraced in a huge fair, from a first-class menagerie to the usual appartenances of shooting galleries, giants, and boxing booths. The most interesting section of the show is that which is occupied by the collection of animals known by the name of Bostock and Wombwell's menagerie, and comprising excellent specimens from various parts of the globe. . . . One of the chief items of attraction was the optical exhibition by Mr. Randal Williams, the entertainment last night consisting of a very clever performance of "Faust". The shooting galleries and kindred things are arranged in rows across the hall, and at the entrance is a large contrivance comprised of "sixty galloping horses," worked on an improved system. In the centre of the circle of horses a splendid" operatic organ," by Gavioli, of Paris is fixed, and during the performances plays selections fom popular operas. Around the organ a number of figures are fixed representing the different nationalities of the world. In addition to the above-mentioned attractions several curiosities are on view, including the Headless Man, the Giant Boy (15 years of age, and 6ft, 7in. high), the Great Soldier Giant, Thauma, a huge Shark, and a variety of other novelties." (Birmingham Daily Post, 25 Dec 1886. Provided by Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Sq Birmingham).
