Stephen Smith's Early 80s
Part 1 - Arks and Waltzers in Scotland
Stephen Smith is a renowned author and fairground activist. These images are from a selection of his first photographs, with Stephen moving in to photography at the end of the 1970s. His work from the early 80s covers a lot of geographical ground, with Stephen searching out some lesser-observed machines and capturing their presence with good attention to composition and detail.
Click here for part 2 - North East Arks and Waltzers
Click here for part 3 - Yorkshire Arks and Waltzers
This selection of Scottish platform rides is from the cusp of a great era, as the tradition of Scottish Arks and Waltzers moved into the 80s age of crimson and black decoration, encircled by jagged scrolls and lightning motifs. Some of these rides made a regular pilgrimage to the Newcastle Town Moor, others were a mainstay at that procession of platform rides Kirkcaldy Links Market. Few 'south of the border' enthusiasts were making the trip to Scotland, so Stephen's work is a valuable asset.
Evans' Ark - ex Gordon Eddy - with its large and colourful front.
The Rodeo Ark standing timelessly at Ayr.
...twinned with the Lakin Waltzer.
A crisp clear side-view of Nat Codona's Ark - later to hop between various UK countries.
Horne's Ark shortly before sale to the Edinburgh taylor family.
William White's Waltzer would emerge from the 80s in a deep red colour scheme.
A classic Kirkcaldy shot of Joe White's Ark - again changed soon after this picture was captured.
Wonderful photograph! This fills a gap between the original machine and the very modern 'Star Chaser' which followed soon after.
The Portobello venue is long gone...
...as is this ride, said to be laid up abroad.
White's Waltzer completes the domination that this firm had in the 80s.
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