Silver gelatin contact print by Saidman for Illustrated magazine. 'Tower Ballroom, Blackpool'. OPS. William Pridgeon the popular M.C. of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, is known to thousands of people all over the world. His genial personality along with a true sense of Ballroom deportment has made him an outstanding figure in the Dancing World. "Bill" as he is popularly known commenced his career in the Tower Ballroom in 1901 and in 1904 transferred to the Palace but was back again in the Tower in 1907, since when [sic] he has been as familiar to visitors as the Tower itself. Mr. Pridgeon's most outstanding recollection is "Mafeking" night when the Tower Buildings were thrown open free to the public and you could buy a dozen drinks for 3/6!