Hal Fisher
Ref: NFA 0024
Title: The Hal Fisher Collection
Scope: The collection includes an index of performers at Blackpool Tower Circus from 1894, photo albums and programmes taken from his work and travels.
Dates: 1894-1999
Level: Fonds
Extent: 3 archive boxes
Name of creator: Hal Fisher
Administrative / biographical history: Hal Fisher was born in Collyhurst, Manchester in 1909. In 1927, at the age of 18, he started working on the circus and through this work travelled to many countries. This was at a time when it was dangerous to travel round Europe, and Hal remembers one show in 1930's Berlin which was attended by Hitler and Goebels
Hal started working as a beast man, looking after the lions with the aim of becoming a wild animal trainer. He worked at Belle Vue with Alfred Court from 1928, and many other top trainers from the 1920s to the 1990s. This included Harder Jonsson, whose album Hal donated to the National Fairground Archive shortly before his death.
He stopped travelling when he married in 1933, but would continue to spend breaks and holidays with circus friends. He was a musical entertainer and drummer in dance and variety bands for over 40 years.
Hal spent his retirement compiling a complete listing of performers that have appeared at Blackpool Tower Circus since 1894. This was also donated to the NFA in 1999. Hal was a founder member of the CFA and one of its Vice Presidents
Hal Fischer died on the 17th May, 2002.
See King Pole Extra No. 154
Related Collections: Harder Johnnson
Source: Donated by Hal Fisher, David Fitzroy and Alan Coates
System of arrangement: Catalogued by type
Subjects: Circus, lion tamer, Blackpool
Conditions of access: This collection is only partly catalogued. Please contact the NFA prior to visit for further information.
Restrictions None
Copyright: National Fairground Archive
Finding aids: Full list
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