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Anderton and Rowland (Established c1854 - 1879)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: Established c1854 - 1879

Biography

Anderton and Rowland was formed by Albert Haslam, a Sheffield born showman and magician and his son Arthur aka Captain Rowland, in the late 1800s.

They travelled a circus and menagerie, the latter being sold in 1898 to pay of debts, after which Anderton started touring as Fourpawrs circus.

George DeVey joined Anderton and Rowland's in 1894, later marrying Albert's daughter, Martha. He was integral to the development of the rides and transport that saw Anderton and Rowland's develop to become one of the best touring fairs.

Anderton invested in the development of a new novelty, animated pictures and the show became known as 'Anderton and Rowland's Grand Empire Palace. In 1906 a new show front was commissioned from the Orton and Spooner Company, which included a Marenghi organ in the centre, still owned today by the company. There were light bulbs lit up at night that changed colour in time to the music.

Since the 1950s, the firm has continued to expand and the name Anderton and Rowland is now in its fifth generation. It is owned by the De-Vey family and is the biggest fairground operator travelling in Devon and Cornwall.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Anderton and Rowland's Grand Empire Palace Poster, c1900 - 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.36
Scope and Contents Animated pictures, Great Riots in St. Petersbug, Blue Beard, Historic events during the reign of Louis XIV, Professor Anderton conjurer, Sisters May vocalists, cake walkers and skipping rope dancers, Charles Bruno comedian and singer, Miss Harvey dancer. Black, red and blue type on off white background and blocks of blue, yellow and red, with black and white illustrations of the acts on the top corners, centre and bottom left sections over blue and yellow background. Printed by Willson's New...
Dates: c1900 - 1930

Circus Friends Association Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0122
Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a large library of books and journals, as well as archival material including posters, programmes, photographs, films, handbills, research material, scrapbooks, original artwork and many other items of ephemera relating to British, Irish and European circuses

Dates: 1795 - 2020

Posters, c1800 - 2011

 Series
Reference code: 178R47
Scope and Contents

A wide range of British and international circus and menagerie posters ranging from the 19th to the 21st century including Astley's Amphitheatre, Pablo Fanque, Polito, Bostock and Wombwell, Ducrow, Cooke, Hengler, Sanger, Smart, Gerry Cottle, Bertram Mills, Chipperfield's, Robert Brothers, Fossett, Blackpool Tower, Billy Russell, Belle Vue, Great Yarmouth Hippodrome, Austen Brothers and many more.

Dates: c1800 - 2011

Rowland Scott Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0037
Scope and Contents

Photographs related to all aspects of British travelling fairgrounds including; rides, transport, living wagons, showpeople, fairground shows, circuses and organs by Rowland Scott and other authors, a selection of manuscripts by Rowland Scott and a small amount of correspondence.

Dates: c1899 - 1989

Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Circus Posters, c1800 - 1930

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178R47.1-51
Scope and Contents

Early circus and menagerie posters including Polito's menagerie, Astley's Amphitheatre and Pablo Fanque's, Sanger's, Powell's, Ducrow's, Cooke's and Hengler's circuses among others.

Dates: c1800 - 1930