Lord George Sanger Circus (Established c1880)
Dates
- Existence: Established c1880
Biography
Lord George Sanger Circus was founded by George Sanger after disolving his business partnership with his brother John Sanger.
George and John were the founders of the Sanger Allied Circus in 1854, which they operated with a few family members and friends. The business grew from strength to strength and by 1858 Sanger’s circus could boast of presenting the largest stud of horses ever seen in the European continent. By the 1860s the Sanger emporium owned ten permanent circuses between Plymouth and Aberdeen.
The Sanger brother’s acquired two of the most famous and reputable circus venues in London; the Royal Agricultural Hall at Islington in 1870 and Astley’s New Royal Amphitheatre in 1871.
George and John eventually decided to go their separate ways and split their various business ventures amicably.
During his career as a circus proprietor George Sanger presented two Royal performances before Queen Victoria, the first at Sandringham on 8 January 1885 and the second at Balmoral Castle on 17 June 1898.
George Sanger was a respected member of the showland community and although he spent most of his later life in the circus, he maintained a strong link to his fairground roots and was elected the first President of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain in 1890, a post he held until 1909.
George Sanger was murdered on 28 November 1911, at Park Farm by one of his employees for unknown reasons. His circus and effects were auctioned off by showman Tom Norman aka ‘The Silver King’.
Found in 269 Collections and/or Records:
Olive Austin with Man Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of Olive sat on a sofa next to a man with her arm around his shoulders.
People on a Ship Photograph, c1930 - 1939
Photograph of a group of people on the deck of a ship. The ship's bell is stamped 'Aberdeen'.
Performer on a Pony Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a woman seated on a circus pony. The woman is believed to be Olive Austin.
Performer on Horse Photograph, c1880 - 1899
Photograph of a performer on a white horse held by Harry Austin and a clown reaching out with his arm towards the horse in front of a circus tent.
Performers at Lord George Sanger Circus Photograph, 1898
Photographs, c1850 - 1945
Black and white and some colour photographs and postcards of George and Jonh Sanger's circus.
Photographs, c1890 - 1959
Black and white photographs of George Sanger's Circus showing staff, family, performers, animals, living wagons and parades, including Topsy Sanger, Harry Austin, George Holloway, Cissie Holloway, Cissie Austin, George Sanger, James Holloway, Abe Holloway, George Austin, Bellevina Holloway, Kate Holloway, The Three Holloways, Cirque Angelo, The Four Holloways, Ellen Chapman, Harriet Sanger and June Dick. Also some copies of photographs of the Bostock and Wombwell menagerie.
Photographs, c1897 - 1898
Photographs and Postcards, c1800 - 1999
Black and white and colour photographs, negatives and photographic albums mainly containing images of British circus, circus performers, animals and circus personalities but also some menageries such as Bostock and Wombwell and other associated entertainments and non-British circuses taken by David Jamieson, Lindsay Temple, Den Curtis, Capt. Middleton, Jack Niblett and other photographers.
Photographs and Postcards, 1908 - 1975
Black and white photographs and postcards of the Ohmy, the Smart and the Sanger circuses and family members, including John Sanger in sailor’s uniform. Also a variety of circus performers including Mme. Morelli from the Bostock menagerie. Many of the postcards have been used for correspondence.
Portrait of a Circus Performer Photograph, c1890 - 1909
Cabinet card bust portrait of a circus performer. The photographer's name 'H,. Bullock, 48 High Street, Crewe' is printed on the front card at the base.
Portrait of a Clown Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a clown standing in front of a living wagon smoking.
Portrait of a Clown Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a clown in a blak tail suite posing in front of a circus tent.
Portrait of a Couple Photograph , c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a man and woman seating on a stone wall in the countryside.
Portrait of a Couple Photograph , c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a man and woman sitting on a stone wall.
Portrait of a Man Photograph, c1870 - 1889
Cartes des visites bust portrait of an unknown man. The Clifton Fine Arts Photographic Company 29 Triangle, Queens Road, Clifton' printed on reverse.
Portrait of a Man Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a man stood in front of a pick up truck.
Portrait of a Man Photograph, c1920 - 1939
Photograph of a man stainding in front of a farm house.
Portrait of a Member of the Sanger Family Photograph, c1870 - 1889
Cabinet card photograph of a man seated. The card is printed with signature 'John Miles Co', Bristol and Clevedon on the front. John Miles Co signature print on reverse 9 Clare Street, Bristol and The Beach Clevedon Portrait Painters and Artists in Photography on Reverse. Also printed Patronized by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
Portrait of a Woman Photograph, c1880 - 1899
Portrait photograph of a woman, probably a member of the Sanger family.