Dear forum members,

I have a photograph of my great-grandfather who was a professional musician in the 1890's and played in the Sheffield area.  I would very much like to know  if anyone recognises him and about the banjo he has in his photo as he's a complete mystery to our family.  He may have played in the Travellers Rest pub in Oughtibridge in early 1894 where my great grandmother was living at the time.

Unfortunately I have no name for my great-grandfather and don’t know anything about him or where he’s from other than the attached photo. I have searched all roads and I think the experts in the Classic-Banjo forum might be the best chance to identify him and his instrument. Thank you very much for your help and Happy New Year 2022, Hannah.

 

 

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Hi Hannah,

The banjo looks like those made by Arthur J Wilmshurst in London. 

Kind regards, Ian.

In 1903 there was a performance in Sheffield by the Pioneer Banjo Band...but who knows if Granddad was a member????

Hi Ian,

That's very useful information, thank you very much, Best wishes, Hannah

IAN SALTER said:

Hi Hannah,

The banjo looks like those made by Arthur J Wilmshurst in London. 

Kind regards, Ian.

I don't know if this helps but in February 1904 there was a concert in Sheffield with banjo played by Mr Alf Pond.  Maybe he would have had connections or even been your elusive Great Grandfather?????

This appears to be the banjo that he is holding in the photo.

The Wilmshurst zither banjos are so pretty.  I love the decorative metal detail.  

Tanfield and Hill performed banjo and mandolin duets in Sheffield in the 1890s- the banjoist in the duo was possibly George Roger Tanfield (1870-1946).

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