Bodybuilding back in the 1950’s had a social prominence that
perhaps does not exist today. You could rarely find a magazine that didn’t have
an advert somewhere explaining how the Charles Atlas system could transform
your physique – no longer would you be the weedy specimen who got sand kicked in their
face. The hopefuls bidding for a Mr Universe title were the epitome of the
well-developed, muscular men representing what every man in the street might
like to see in the mirror. It was in this era that ex-Liverpool policeman
Arnold Dyson set his stall to develop his physique and challenge for the
ultimate title.
Born in Oldham in 1925 he served as a drill sergeant in the
war achieving some success in boxing. In the late 1940’s, while serving as a
police officer in Liverpool he developed an interest in body building and began
to establish his own routines and exercises. Within a short space of time, in
1948, he was a finalist in the Mr Britain contest. Deciding that his police
duties were not compatible with his training regime he left the force and
became a travelling salesman. In the early 1950’s he opened his own gym at his
residence at 20 Oxford Street L7. This building now bears a blue plaque
commemorating its former use.
Dyson’s defining success came in 1953 when he won the Mr
Universe contest. Interestingly, the contestant who came third behind Dyson
went on to find fame himself, being the actor Sean Connery. Following his
success, alongside a World’s Strongest Man title, he continued to run his
gymnasium and also carved out a successful career on the professional wrestling
circuit. A typical advert of the time (Manchester Evening News 22.4.1954)
announced that Arnold Dyson “the chosen Mr Universe now a Top-ranking Wrestler”
would fight Count Bartelli at Levenshulme Skating Rink. His fame also saw
him sit alongside Hollywood star Errol Flynn as a judge in the ATV show “TV
Adonis of Great Britain”(Ripley & Heanor News 7.9.1956).
Arnold Dyson married Doris Passmore in 1949. They lived
initially at 44 Mulgrave Street L8 before moving to Oxford Street. In the early
1960’s they moved to 1 Lyndon Drive L18. I have not been able to confirm this
100% but I believe Arnold Dyson died in Oldham in 2003.
