Testo Family, Established c1700
Dates
- Existence: Established c1700
Biography
The Testo family first came to England from France in the late 1700s in the form of 20 year old conjurer Felix Testot (senior). According to his descendants Felix Testot was quite a well-known performer in France. However, the fall of the aristocracy following the French revolution in 1789 created a decline on the demand for his services and Felix decided to cross the Channel into England.
Found in 11 Collections and/or Records:
British Roundabout Proprietors Rules, 1902 - 1903
Photocopies of The British Roundabout Proprietors and Showmen’s Union Rules. Typescript.
Business Records, 1902 - 1903, 12 December 1932
Various items of business related to the Testo family.
Certificate of Post-War Credit, 31 January 1944
Certificate of post-war credit for Victor Joseph Jeffreys, due for the year ended 5th April 1942 issued in Manchester on 31 January 1944. Brown type on off white paper with royal coat of arms.
Correspondence, 1949 - 1964
Various items of correspondence addressed to Mrs Jeffery regarding the printing of the book, Conjuring Collecting and The Testo Story. A letter from Stanley Robinson to Mrs Jeffery regarding some photographs and two regarding fairground shows and rides. Typescript and manuscript.
How are Fleas Trained to Perform? Poster, c1930 - 1969
By Professor A. Testo. Navy blue type on off white background describing how to train fleas to perform. Printed by A. A. Fletcher & Son Ltd., Swalwell, Newcastle-on-tyne.
Monographs and Research Material, c1851 - 1999
Various items of family history and an excerpt from a book on fortune telling.
Newspaper Cuttings, c1959 - 1979
Newspaper cuttings including general stories about fairgrounds and coverage of murder of Miriam Culine.
Photographs, c1900 - 1968
Testo Family Collection
This collection comprises photographs, business records, articles, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, advertising material, family research and items of personal archive related to the Testo family history in the fairground and circus
Testo Family History Monographs, c1960 - 1989
The story of Felix Testot, Magician, and founder of the Testo family in England (with a brief history of his descendants up to 1993). A portion of the Testo Family History. Alfred Testo’s Career by ‘Golga’ Jeffreys (his daughter). The Chipperfields’ Story: being a summary of items in the history of the Chipperfield family from 1803 and the connections with the Testo family (Harriet Sophia Jeffreys and Vic Jeffreys). Typescript.
Various, c1898 - 1977
Various items related to the Testo family and their business in the fairground.