Dates

• Existence: Established c1800 - 1800

Biography

Circus Ginnett started with Jean Pier Ginnett (1798-1861) who was in the French cavalry, where he developed excellent horsemanship skills. After being captured during the Napoleonic wars he was brough to England, where he remained afterwards and joined the circus with a small animal show. The show grew from a single act to the birth of Circus Ginnett, which after Jean Pier’s death passed to his son John Frederick Ginnett (1825-1892) and later to his grandsons Claude, Frederick Emile and Albert. By the 1890s Ginnetts had become one of the most significant circuses in Britain and continued operating until the 1930s despite the First World War and the difficulties experienced by the requisition of animals and equipment, and the conscription of men.

Between the 1930s and 1940s the circus declined and operated on and off, until its final closure. During this period most of its assets, which included two theatres, were donated to Brighton City Council. After the dismantlement of the circus, the family dispersed to continue working in other circuses until in 1989 Michael Austin, a fifth generation Ginnet and owner of Mike Austin Circus, revived the family circus with his wife Jounita and his children Patrick and Nina.

Eventually, Patrick and his son Luke took over the business from Michael and travelled widely around the UK, Europe and Asia.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records: