Google+

10 Vintage Circus Photos

January 9, 2011 /Photography News/ The modern concept of a circus as a circular arena surrounded by tiers of seats, for the exhibition of equestrian, acrobatic and other performances seems to have existed since the late 18th century. The popularity of the circus in England may be traced to that held by Philip Astley in London. The first performance of his circus is said to have been held 243 years ago today, on January 9, 1768.

The earliest involvement of animals in circus was just the display of exotic creatures. As far back as the early eighteenth century, exotic animals were transported to North America for display, and menageries were a popular form of entertainment.

Nowadays, in response to a growing popular concern about the use of animals in entertainment, animal-free circuses are becoming more common around the world.

A lion tamer at Bertram Mills Touring Circus, Ascot. This photograph is from the Daily Herald Archive, held at the National Media Museum, UK. It is a collection of over three million press photographs, dating from c.1911-1970.

Wirths' Circus, 1941. Sam Hood. From the collection of the State Library of New South Wales

Molly Picon in Circus Girl, 1928. Rappoport Studios (New York, NY). Center for Jewish History NYC

Coney Island, A Free Show. Between ca. 1910 and ca. 1915. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

Barnum-Bailey Show - Model Artist Horse Posing. Between ca. 1910 and ca. 1915. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

Crowd scene at Ludgate Circus, London, after World War I, 1918. Photographer: Thomas Frederick Scale. Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand.

Jack Barrett [i.e., Barnett], Barnum's. Between ca. 1910 and ca. 1915. Photo shows Jack W.C. Barnett (right) who was a performer with the Barnum and Bailey circus. George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress).

Elephant loading the train. Sydney, ca. 1932. Sam Hood. From the collection of the State Library of New South Wales.

Wirth Circus Parade (Lord Mayor's Fund), 1941. Sam Hood. From the collection of the State Library of New South Wales.

Posters covering a building near Lynchburg to advertise a Downie Bros. circus. Photographer: Walker Evans (1903-1975). Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)


7 comments:

  1. Ballyhoo Betty says

    I'm an avid fan and collector of circus photography. Are these images copyright free?


    Photography News says

    All these images are shared under a "no known copyright restrictions" license.


    Ballyhoo Betty says

    Awesome, thanks!


    Anonymous says

    The photos are intriguing; however, the sixth photo is not the same kind of circus, rather a road junction or intersection like Piccadilly Circus also in London.


    Trevor's Blog says

    Calgary Mortgage Broker
    Mortgage Broker Calgary
    Calgary Mortgage
    Calgary Mortgages
    Life Insurance Calgary
    Life Insurance Quotes Calgary
    Life Insurance
    Super Visa Canada
    Super Visa
    Canadian Super Visa
    best performing mutual funds
    Mutual Funds
    Investment Advisor
    Edmonton Mortgage Broker
    Mortgage Broker Edmonton
    Edmonton Mortgage Brokerx
    Mortgage Brokers Edmonton
    Life Insurance Vancouver
    Life Insurance Quotes Vancouver
    Life Insurance
    Exempt Market Dealer
    Alternative Investments
    Exempt Market


    Unknown says

    This is great do you have a catologue if so I would love one to share with friends and family.
    Mumbai Indians Squad Captain Name
    MI New Team Players List
    Kolkata Knight Riders Logo Jersey Images


    Unknown says

    ralph lauren uk
    louis vuitton
    ralph lauren polo shirts
    michael kors outlet
    prada sunglasses for women
    michael kors uk
    mulberry handbags sale
    mulberry bags
    longchamp handbags
    michael kors uk
    lebron shoes
    nike air max 90
    michael kors handbags clearance
    ray ban sunglasses
    polo ralph lauren
    nike outlet online
    tory burch outlet online
    foamposite shoes
    michael kors outlet
    polo shirts
    converse shoes sale
    ray ban sunglasses
    lululemon outlet
    michael kors outlet
    oakley sunglasses
    cheap ray ban sunglasses
    prada shoes
    louis vuitton sunglasses
    adidas nmd runner
    rolex watches outlet
    mulberry uk
    nike outlet store online
    nike free 5.0
    true religion jeans
    longchamp outlet online
    20160818caihuali


7 comments so far. What do you think?

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.