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Circus Friends Association of Great Britain (Established 1934)

 Organisation

Biography

The CFA, formerly known as the Circus Fans Association was stablished on Saturday 20th January 1934 in the ring of Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia, London by a group of enthusiasts. The CFA’s purpose remains the same as in its conception; to stimulate, foster and promote enthusiasm for circus and related performances as part of British culture.

During 1934, the pattern for CFA activities was established, with the formation of the library, the publication of The Sawdust Ring magazine and the first rallies, including ones to the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth and Blackpool Tower. The annual subscription at the time was one guinea for residents in a radius of 60 miles from London 'as defined by Automobile Association handbook', and half a guinea for those residing outside that area, in the provinces. 'For residents in the Colonies and foreign counties' the subscription was 7/6.

The first President of the CFA was Lady Eleanor Smith (1902-1945), the eldest child of the politician F. E. Smith. Lady Eleanor Smith was an author, a society reporter and cinema reviewer and worked as a publicist for circus companies.

Other notable presidents were; Dame Laura Knight (1877-1970), the most celebrated British impressionist female artist of all time and the first woman to ever be elected to the Royal Academy. The actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke (1893-1964), wine merchant and philanthropist Sir Walter Gilbey (1831-1914), theatrical manager and empresario Sir Charles B. Cochran (1872-1951), Sir William Savory (1882-1961), author Antony Hippisley Coxe and Commander W. J. Gerard.

The first five years of the CFA saw the firm establishment of the Association its activity, although it was active by Alfred 'Dickey' Bird. The post-war years were difficult but the CFA continued operating with the same aims and ambitions.

The library was started in 1937, as a gift of 30 books from A.C. McLachlan. Others titles were acquired by purchase or donation. It contains books on virtually every aspect of circus life from individual acts, to acts of Parliament, from erecting a Big Top, to the logistics of transporting circuses, works of fiction, photography and juvenile literature all of which help to create a greater understanding of the many contrasts in circus life; of the romance, tragedy, spectacle and hardships.

Notable authors who have contributed to the myth and legend of circus include Lady Eleanor Smith, who in 1945, donated all her circus books to the CFA, Ruth Manning-Sanders and Courtney Ryley Cooper, an American writer who, after having first joined a circus aged 16, went on to write crime books and ghost-wrote articles under J. Edgar Hoover’s name in the 1930s.

After the war lists of holdings were printed and distributed to members, who could borrow a book at a time by post. By the mid 1970s, the ‘Library Catalogue’ listed 525 books and a ‘Circusiana’ section was created for valuable books, for reference only.

The CFA continues maintaining the collection, ensuring its growth and establishing it as the primary, national collection of books on circus.

The CFA has also amassed one of the most fascinating and important collection of circus related material in the United Kingdom expanding over 200 years. This material has supported research and literature produced by its members over the years and has ensured that an important part of British circus history will be available for future generations of researchers and enthusiasts.

The association has always welcomed enthusiasts and circus artistes to it’s membership and has always produced a regular publication giving news, reviews and articles on circus artistes and personalities and reviews of British and foreign circuses. The current quarterly magazine King Pole, named after the masts, which support a circus tent, is regarded as one of the leading circus periodicals in the world.

The CFA continues to organise visits, formerly called rallies, for the members, to UK circuses and recognises the achievements of those involved in circus with special awards.

After almost 85 years in existence the CFA continues to flourish with membership being maintained in the region of 500 comprising both British and subscribers from abroad.

Found in 1288 Collections and/or Records:

Arthur Vercoe Pedlar Clown Advertising Card, c1900 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178I22.24
Scope and Contents

Black and white photograph of performer in various posses and text on front and reverse.

Dates: c1900 - 1999

Articles on Circus, c1900 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178B30.30
Scope and Contents

Article about Habibi the lion and monograph on wild animals by Hans Brick, Circus Animal Trainer and Performer. Typescript.

Dates: c1900 - 1999

Astley's Amphitheatre Print, c1900 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178V11.66
Scope and Contents

Black and white reproduction of the exterior of Astley's Amphitheatre, showing the entrance to the circus and announced acts.

Dates: c1900 - 1999

Astley's Poster, c1800 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.49
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge Road. Now open for the summer season, under the direction of Miss Virginia Blackwood. White and marron type on off white background and black and white portrait of a lady with hat, shoulder cape and fur hand warmer in the centre. Printed by M'Corquodale and Co., Printers, Cardington Street, London, N. W.

Dates: c1800 - 1899

Astley's Poster, Wednesday 9th July 1834 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.50
Scope and Contents Mr. Davidge, The English Potier, Mrs. S. Foster, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Mashall, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Danson, Miss Daly, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Cartlitch, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Callcot, Mr. Bland, Mr. Fillingham and Mrs. J. Ducrow in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Davidge, Mr. Smith, Mr. Elliott, Messrs. George Needaam, T. Needhaam and Bullock, Mrs. J. Ducrow, Mrs. Weston and Miss Enscoe in Mill of Bagdad, Mr. Ducrow's Scenes in the Circle, Fairy actors and...
Dates: Wednesday 9th July 1834 and during the week

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.4
Scope and Contents 14th November and all the week. Miss Ada Isaacs Menken as Mazeppa, Mr. Gresham, Mr. Montague, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. G. Craig, Mr. Webber, Miss Julia Seaman, Mrs. E. F. Edgar, Miss Minnie Clifford, Mr. Basil Potter, Mr. Henry Frazer, Mr. J. Craddock, Mr. W. Templeton, Miss Liversey, M. Milano and Miss Annie Cooke in Mazeppa, Sig. Redmond on his Indian rope trick, Mr. Dulcimer Pipes, Mr. Atkins, Mr. W. Templeton, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. G. Atkins, Mrs. E. F. Edgar and Miss Minnie Clifford...
Dates: c1864 - 1868

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.5
Scope and Contents Saturday 19th October, Monday 21st and following nights. Farewell performance of Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Felix Rogers, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Craddock, and Miss Josephine Fiddes in Good for Nothing, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. H. River, Mr. Felix Rogers, Miss Josephine Fiddes, Mrs. Bishop, Miss Julia Craven, Mr. Bassil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Vivian, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Arthur and Miss Duberry in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse....
Dates: c1864 - 1868

Astley's Programme, Monday 9 October 1864 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.6
Scope and Contents Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. J. Elphinstone, Mr. Basil Potter, Mr. T. J. Anderson, Mr. Atkins, Mr. E. Garden, Mr. W. M. Terrott, Mrs. St. Henry, Miss Kate Carson, Mr. J. Russell, Mr. J. B. Johnstone, Mr. Webster, Mr. Bedford, Mr. Templeton, Mr. Prichard, in Child of the Sun, Miss Carline Parkes, Mr. Webster, Mr. Prichard, Miss Amy Cleveland, Miss M. Morton, Miss Harriett Pelham, Miss Pelham, Master Granger, Miss Louise Laidlaw, Miss Minnie Sidney, Miss Nelly Nesbitt, Mr. Atkins, Miss Lizzie...
Dates: Monday 9 October 1864 and during the week

Astley's Programme, c1864 - 1868

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.7
Scope and Contents Monday 11th November and following evenings. Farewell performance of Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Felix Rogers, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Bentley, Miss Beatrice Marston and Miss Julia Craven in That Rascal Jack, Mr. Evans, Mr. Walter Carle, Mr. H. Rivers, Mr. Felix Rogers, Miss Josephine Fiddes, Miss Julia Craven, Mr. Basil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Vivian, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Arthur and Miss Duberry in Mazeppa and the Wild Horse. Black type on white background...
Dates: c1864 - 1868

Astley's Programme, Monday 3 July 1865 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.8
Scope and Contents Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Johnstone, Miss Nisbitt, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Atkins, Mrs. C. Wharton, Miss Ada Edson and Miss Minnie Sidney in The Wandering Minstrel, Mr. Gresham, Mr. T. J. Anderson, Mr. J. B. Johnstone, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Weaver, Miss Josephine Fidder, Mrs. C. Wharton, Miss Nisbitt, Mr. Basil Potter, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, Mr. Johnstone, Mr. Cradddock, Mr. Shelton, Mr. Harry Croueste, Miss Ninnie Sidney and Miss Clifton in Mazippa or the Wild Horse of Tartary, Mr. G. Craig, Mr....
Dates: Monday 3 July 1865 and during the week

Astley's Royal Amphiteatre of Arts Poster, 27 November 1843

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.29
Scope and Contents For the benefit of the Benevolent Fund Society held at M. J. enon's, City Arms, Hunter Street, Kent Road, Victories of Murat, The Soldier of France, Mr. Anthony Powell equestrian act, Mr. R. Smith equestrian act, Mr. Kemp magic pole, Miss Isabelle on Poverty and Abundance equestrian act, Mr. T. Lee, Mons. Masotta, Mons. Verdy as the Trois Olympians equestrian act, Pageant of Grace or the Dames and their Fleet-Footed Steeds, Messrs. T. Barry, Twist and Kemp clowns, Hercules, King of Clubs....
Dates: 27 November 1843

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre of Arts Poster, Moday 18 September 1843 and five following evenings

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.27
Scope and Contents Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer's Siege of Granada, Mr. Mosley equestrian act, Conquest of Granada or The Steed of the Silver Star and Last Struggle of the Moors, Invasion of Spain, Four Real White Mules of Cordova, The Chiarini Family, French rope dancers, Master John Powell and Le Petit Isabelle as The Russian Peasants, Old Weller The Prince of Whips, Bustling Mr. Pickwick, Aerial Puck, Mr. R. Smith introducing Pegasus, Apollo and his music footed steed of Olympus, Signor Felix Carlo as the...
Dates: Moday 18 September 1843 and five following evenings

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Poster, Monday 30 June 1828 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.18
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge. Jack O'Lantern; or Harlequin Sprite of the Dismal Swamp comic pantomime, Mr. Wilkinson and Miss Woolford on The Conquest of the Amazon, equestrian entreè, The Flying Indian elastic cord act, Battle of Navrino; or the Arab of the Red Desert. Black type on brownish background, also contains description of acts and lists of performers.

Dates: Monday 30 June 1828 and during the week

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Poster, Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 1818

 Item
Reference code: 178R47.19
Scope and Contents

Westminster Bridge. The Dandy Family and the Ascot Jockies, Mr. Avery equestrian act, The Troop of Voltigeurs acrobatics and clowning, Mr. Makeen on The Peasant's Frolic, Mr. Sloman comic singer, Mademoiselle Ferzi tightrope act, Mess. Brown and Williams clowns, Peregrine Pickle or Hawser Trunnion on Horseback, A Real Fox Chance. Black type on off white paper, also contains description of acts and listing of performers.

Dates: Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 1818

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, c1800 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.1
Scope and Contents M. Alphonse Thevelin, aerial gymnast, Mr. Alfred Cooke, family and pupils on 3rd week of the Equestrian Gala, The Chase or Life on the Turf, Mr. William Cooke's Scenes in the Arena, equestrian gala including, Miss Clarissa Cooke in aerial poses, Young Godolphin in the Postilion of Lilliput, Mr. W. Barlow in Punch in Paris, Mr. Boswell in Polandric Exercises, Madlle. Marie in Leap of Banners, Madlle. Rebecca and Mr. W. Barlow in Sylph-Like Echo and Charming Narcissus, Mr. Alfred Cooke, The...
Dates: c1800 - 1899

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, Monday 28 June 1852 and during the week

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.2
Scope and Contents Mr. Alfred Cooke, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Widdicomb, Mr. Tibbs, Signor Chiarini, Mr. Baswell, Mr. T. Barry, Mrs. Aldred Cooke, Miss Lydia Pearce, Mrs. Moreton Brookes, Mr. C. Leclercq Junior, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Hustleby, Mr. Johnson, Mr. F. Hustleby, Miss Fenton and Miss T. Avery in St. George and the Dragon or the Seven Champions of Christendom, Batty's Scenes in the Arena including, Cavalcade, Tom Thumb on two horses, Madlle. Louise Massotta in Leap of Streamers, Signor Chiarini...
Dates: Monday 28 June 1852 and during the week

Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Programme, Saturday 22nd October, Monday 24th October and during the week 1853

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.3
Scope and Contents Miss Kate Cooke, Europe's National Amphitheatre, Mr. Aldred Cooke, Mr. James Barlow, Mr. A. Bridges, Mr. William Barlow, Mons. Schmidt, Sig. Carlottie, Sig. Francois, Sig. Croueste, Sig. Bezzini, Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Stonette, Mr. Widdicomb, Master Victor Cooke, Master Alfred Cooke, Master Harry Cooke, Master Bradbury, Master Tom Thumb, Master Gee, Master W. Gee, Mister William Cooke, Miss Kate Cooke, Mrs. Alfred Cooke, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Bradbury, Mad. Bridges, Mad. Schmidt, Mad. Bezzini,...
Dates: Saturday 22nd October, Monday 24th October and during the week 1853

Astley's Theatre Programme, 5 November 1883

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.26
Scope and Contents Westminster Bridge Road. Mr. Harry J. C. Vernon, Mr. J. G. Wilton, Mr. Fred Evans, Mrs. J. F. Brian, Mr. W. D. Gresham, Mr. Metcalfe, Mr. George Reeves, Miss Louise Neville, Mr. Alfred Balfour, Miss Kate Forrester, Miss M. Reeves and Miss Maud Forrester in Giddy Godiva or The Girl who was Sent to Coventry, Mr. Lewis Sealey, Mr. Harry J. C. Vernon, Mr. L. Webster, Mr. J. G. Wilton, Mr. Richards, Mr. A. Balfour, Miss Kate Neville, Mrs. J. Elmore, Mrs. J. F. Brian, Mr. W. D. Gresham, Miss Maude...
Dates: 5 November 1883

Audio Material, 1967

 Series
Reference code: 178E16
Scope and Contents

Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus Spectacular sound track.

Dates: 1967

Austen Brothers Circus Programmes, 1972 - 1989

 File
Reference code: 178K43.630
Scope and Contents

Austen Brothers Circus programmes containing colour and black and white photographs of performers and acts, introduction, some illustrations, programme and commercial advertising, including the Leeds Christmas Circus and the London Festival.

Dates: 1972 - 1989