[Collection of performing arts ephemera], 1824-1931 1850-1920.

Electronic reproduction of selected rare printed materials from the National Fairground Archive (NFA), University of Sheffield. The NFA, housed in the Western Bank Library, University of Sheffield, is a unique collection of photographic, printed, manuscript and audiovisual material covering all aspects of the culture of travelling show people, and the artefacts and machinery of fairgrounds. The selection presents rare printed books on a range of subjects, focusing on unusual popular entertainments including the magic lantern, waxworks and exhibitions. It also includes a wide selection of posters, programmes and playbills from a variety of London and regional theatres. A highlight is the wonderful and very rare collection of playbills from the Argyle Theatre in Birkenhead.