I found a few fascinating photographs online which I have shared below. I wanted to add some context, so included some photography I took myself back in 2011 when I visited Scarborough funfair.
Ways fairgrounds have evolved:
• Through the application of steam power and later with the use of electricity.
• Dodgems evolved into what they are today using an electrical pick-up linked to roof nets above.
• The carousel began with horses that were still; it was only later that engineers found a way through a crank-action the horses appear to gallop.
When the first rides were engineered:
• The scenic railway was an important development before the first world war.
• The caterpillar was introduced to Britain in the early 1920s.
• The dodgems as we know them today were introduced in Britain in 1928.
• The big wheel with its basic design principles has been around since swings and roundabouts.
Some of the references I found most significant:
‘Giant Wheels have lost their appeal as a thrill ride in the modern fairground. However, they have been sprouting up in every major city in the world, marketed as tourist attractions and geared towards sightseeing; The London Eye is a fine example of this new concept.’
‘Just before the war a few new American novelty rides found their way into Britain. The British showmen quickly adapted these rides to give them unique identities to indicate the thrills on offer through artwork…Sometimes these were inspired by blockbuster films and pop music hits such as Ghostbusters and Thriller.’
‘For many people the fairground is now defined by the thrill and spectacle of the riding machines. These rides have a complex history defined by mechanical capability and cultural and social trends.’
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