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Palmer, Christopher, Born 1930

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: Born 6 March 1930

Biography

Christopher John Palmer was born on 6th March 1930 in Ilford Essex. Between 1941 and 1946 he attended St. Dunstan’s College in Catford, London. Straight out of school in 1946 Christopher was employed as an Architectural Draftsman, until 1948 when, age 18 he was conscribed to the RAF to complete his National Service. In 1950 he resumed his employment as a draftsman, until 1955, when he started a very successful career in television ranging from filming to programming, production and direction.

Christopher joined the Associated Rediffusion Television, London on September 19th 1955 as a Trainee Cameraman. Three years later he was employed by Tyne Tees Television Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as a Senior Cameraman, where he was promoted to TV Producer/Director in 1964. Production involved all types of Outside Broadcasts including the 1966 and 1970 World Cups, classical and religious musical programme and a range of sporting events. In June 1968, still employed by Tyne Tees Television, Christopher was promoted to Assistant Programme Controller. In April 1972, he joined Thames Television London as a Senior Outside Broadcast Director. Between 1973 and 1990 his work involved all types of outside broadcasts including horse racing, football, Chipperfields and Billy Smart’s circuses, classical and religious programmes and the holiday programme series ‘Wish You were Here’. Christopher produced Christmas and Easter circus specials between 1973 and 1983. The first five years were performed by Chipperfield’s Circus and the next five years by the Billy Smart Circus. The circus specials were an important part of TV schedules of the day and a huge seasonal treat for viewers.

As part of the research for the TV programmes, Christopher travelled to see acts with his Musical Director, Alan Braden, and was able to make notes on their performance and talk about the musical arrangements. The music, which was mostly played by an organist, drummer and sometimes a saxophonist, would have to be played by an orchestra of twenty-six.

Christopher Palmer considered the music to be an important part of the presentation along with lighting, sound and other elements and writes:

‘The most gratifying moment for me was when the artistes heard their music being rehearsed in the Big Top by the big band the evening before the first camera rehearsal the following day. They would all sit there with all their families, probably having driven half way across Europe during the days before, listening entranced to those wonderful musicians…The Christmas and Easter programmes were recorded back to back, the schedule for each show being: day 1 evening band call, day 2 camera rehearsal with piano and drums only, day 3 afternoon dress rehearsal with full band and evening recording with audience. Hard going but very satisfying.’

In 1991, age 61, Christopher retired from mainstream production and a year later joined P&O Cruises as Film & TV Consultant until May 2003. He produced and directed all their promotional videos and filmed the building of the cruise ships Oriana and Aurora in Germany.

Found in 35 Collections and/or Records:

4th International Circus Festival Programme, c1960 - 1999

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.18
Scope and Contents

Monte Carlo. Trio Antares acrobats, Arils Arnardo comic acrobats, Jack Bremlov Juggler, Buby and Jule clowns, Les Canestrelli trampoline act, Les Carrillo Brothers, Duo Carrington dressage, Les 6 Otaries de Clive, Miss Dawn and parrots, Jack Rhodin and chimpanzees, Les Segreras equilibrists, Les Silagis, Les Waldemar and many others. Three fold programme, contains illustration on the cover with photos.

Dates: c1960 - 1999

Austen Brothers London Festival Circus Programme, 1979

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.29
Scope and Contents

Michael Austen’s Indian Elephants, Gina the Girl in the Moon aerial act, Alun Davies and his 10 Poodles, Tommy De-Vel and Vera jugglers, Terry Elflet dancing muscles, Austen Brothers Arabian horses presented by Jack Varney, Brian Austen’s African lions presented by John Benham, Mademoiselle Yolande foot juggler, Peter Norris Ringmaster, Professor Grimble clown. Contains illustration on cover with photos, 8p.p.

Dates: 1979

Belle Vue Circus, Manchester Programme, 6 December 1980 - 31 January 1981

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.36
Scope and Contents Norman Barrett ringmaster, Family Santus trick cyclists, The Brucksons Balancing act, Jacko Fossett and Little Willy clowns, Les Kansas jugglers, Martin Lacey and his lions, Dunban Nickol trampoline act, The Svensons equestrian act, The Great Darix balancing act, Camel Caravan presented by Beverley Roberts, Gina the Girl in the Moon trapeze, Robert Brothers’ Elephant Entertainment, Joan Rosaire and Goldy the Wonder Horse, Hsiung Family Oriental Acrobats, The Loonies comedians. Contains...
Dates: 6 December 1980 - 31 January 1981

Benneweis Cirkus by Gningen Programme, 1975

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.4
Scope and Contents

Elephants and horses, Les Francescos-clowns, Guzman and Monique motorbike trapeze act, Dobritch balance act, Nelly Jane ringmaster, Luc and Bella chimpanzees, Balkan Troupe trampoline act, Bob Rosetti whips and guns, Bob Bramson juggler, Kroplin’s Dyrerevue, Pete, Robin and Antonio clowns, Caroli Troupe equestrian act. Clown illustration, 28p.p.

Dates: 1975

Benneweis Cirkus by Gningen Programme, 1977

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.12
Scope and Contents

90th year celebrations, Diana Benneweis equestrian act, Hr. Braum Clown, Pompoff Thedy Family comedy act, Lora Eston and her birds, Karl Kossmayer and his mules, Benneweis elephants, Moreno clowns, Les Castors jugglers, Sally Brothers handstand act, Eric and Francine’s Dogs trained dogs, Toly M. juggler, 2 Perris balance act, Michael balancer. Contains photos, 28p.p.

Dates: 1977

Benneweis Cirkus by Gningen Programme, 1977

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.13
Scope and Contents

90th year celebrations, Nelly Jane and Sonny Benneweis ringmaster, Dirch and Kaas clowns, Lilly Yokoi trick cyclist, Wendy Duer and her birds, Lee Pee Ville magician, Jule and bubi clowns, Family Munoz high-wire, Salvador ball balancing, Matild contortionist, Cata Polen Polish equilibrists, Cata Polen tumblers, Les Chabres dog act. Contains photos, 28p.p.

Dates: 1977

Benneweis Cirkus by Gningen Programme, 1979

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.27
Scope and Contents

Nelly Jane ringmaster, Sonny Benneweis Equestrian act, Franz Althoff small horses, Flying Oslers Trapeze, Chabre and her poodles, Truppe Koziak balancing act, Camel’s March , Chicky and Co. clowns, Little John balancing act, Truppe Lukas Timblers, Gobo clown. Contains photos.

Dates: 1979

Benneweis Cirkus by Gningen Programme, 1979

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.28
Scope and Contents

Claus Jespersen ringmaster, Diana Benneweis equestrian act, Kim and Miller Benneweis elephants, Victo Ponce and Silvia jugglers, Di Lello Clown, Clarrisons sea lions, Flying Oscas trapeze, Trio Spyts, Krenzola birds, Trup Salve tumblers. Contains photos, 28p.p.

Dates: 1979

Billy Russell’s Circus Spectacular Programme, 1974

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.1
Scope and Contents Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, Leigh Marsh and her Poodles, Mimo Veneziano Juggler, balancer and wire act, Jacko Fossett, Little Billy and Co.clowns, Mary Chipperfield’s African Elephants, Freddy and Gabriella trapeze, Jumping Jack comic on the trampoline, The Bertini Family unicycling and acrobatics, Big and Little horse and pony De Wert aerialist, Mary Chipperfield’s Exotic Group, The Kam Tai Troupe contortion, Balancing and acrobatic act, The Flying Oslers trapeze, Dogsi’s Football Dogs....
Dates: 1974

Billy Russell’s Circus Spectacular Programme, 1975

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.7
Scope and Contents Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, Inga Lise Ringmistress. Mary Chipperfield’s Liberty ponies and Zebras and elephants, The Knick Nocs knockabout comedy, Old Regnas The Tramp and his Comedy Dogs and Donkey, The Siberas balancing act, Jacko Fossett and Little Billy clowns, The Trio Anastasini juggling, The Brandt Brothers springboard acrobatics, Bela and her Comedy Camel, The Two Franks acrobatics and contortionism, Spaghetti and Company comics, Max Morris and his Sea Lions, Anna Arata and Lily...
Dates: 1975

Billy Russell’s Circus Spectacular Programme, 1976

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.9
Scope and Contents

Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, Jerry, Jimmy and Johnny equestrians, Udo Heltano equilibrist, Mary Chipperfield’s kindergarten animals, chimpanzees and Liberty horses, Senorita Manolita aerial act, Miss Wendy’s Poodle Party, Jacko Fossett and Little Billy clowns, The Belios acrobats, The Halfwits comedy acrobats, The Tonitas Veracruz trapeze, Miss Conti balancing roller act, Jorge Tonito tightwire, The Herculeans moustachioed acrobats. Contains illustrations with photos, 24p.p.

Dates: 1976

Billy Russell’s Circus Spectacular Programme, 1977

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.17
Scope and Contents

The Two Bohumils jugglers, The Robert Brothers Camel Caravan, elephants and ponies, Skippy the Boxing Kangaroo, Blanini aerialist, Jacko Fossett and Little Billy clowns, Markus and Rosita strongman, The Valla Bertini Troupe trick cyclist, The Wychwoods magic and dog act, Chyfudey contortion, acrobatic and balancing act, The Bjoerlings equestrian act, Bobby Dixon comedy acrobat, The Tanger troupe tumblers. Contains illustration with photos, 24p.p.

Dates: 1977

Blackpool Tower Circus Fantastic Programme, 1975

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.3
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his Company, Mary Chipperfield and her animals, The Flying Marilees Flyers Aerialists, Circus Knie’s Horses, Franz R. Althoff elephants, Kris Kremo juggler, Fattini blancing act, Skating Rolwoods, Chy Bao Guy Troupe, The Six Bertinis trick cyclists and balancing act, Desmond and Marks clown, Helen Piderman. Notes of times handwritten on programme. Contains photos, 12p.p.

Dates: 1975

Blackpool Tower Circus Fantastic Programme, 1977

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.14
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his company clowns, Bronley’s Space Rocket, Rogana balance act, Circus Knie’s Horses and Ponies presented by Franz R. Althoff, Tommy Chipperfield and his lions, Bratuchin Cossack Troupe, Gina, Orlando and Celinas, Los Hermans, Inge Lise, Tommy de-Vel Trio jugglers, Normans and his udgerigars, Professor Grimble clown. Contains illustration on the cover with photos, 12p.p.

Dates: 1977

Blackpool Tower Circus Fantastic Programme, 1978

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.22
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and his company clowns, Lilly Yokoi trick cyclist, Yong Brothers balancing act, Mary Chipperfield and her magnificent animals, Norman Barrett ringmaster, The Salvadors ball balancing, Kludsky Troupe tumblers, Miss Wendy and her birds, Burger Sisters, El Gran Rober. Contains illustration on cover with photos, 12p.p.

Dates: 1978

Blackpool Tower Circus Programme, 1974

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.2
Scope and Contents

Charlie Cairoli and Company, The Flying Alizes trapeze, Trio Hoganas wire act, Max Morris and His Californian Sea Lions, The Three Siegfrieds thrilling perchists, Jean Claude and Yvette puppeteers, The Wychwoods and their poodles, Billy Smart’s Elephants, The Six Benis swing act, The Kludsky trick cycling, Jerry, Jimmy and Johnny bareback riding, Paul and Barry Harman. Colour illustration of clown on cover, photos. Notes of times handwritten on programme, 12p.p.

Dates: 1974

Chipperfield's Christmas Circus Programme, 19 November 1976

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.10
Scope and Contents

Thames Television invitation ticket admit one, David Hamilton Ringmaster, Mary Chipperfield and her elephants, poodles, monkeys and tigers, Los Alamos Wild West show, Herculeans Moustachioed strongmen, Bubi Ernesto and company clowns, Dick Chipperfield with panthers and leopards, Brucksons balance act, The Leotaris trapeze act. Contains tiger illustration, 4p.p.

Dates: 19 November 1976

Christopher Palmer Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0105
Scope and Contents

Circus programmes and VHS tapes from Billy Smart’s Circus and Chipperfields’s Circus collected during the 1970s and early 1980s by the TV producer, Christopher John Palmer. There are also a number of promotional photographs of artistes and other ephemera related to the circus.

Dates: 1973 - 1983

Circus Krone Programme, 1980

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.34
Scope and Contents

Various artists including Oleg Popov, clown. Contains illustration on cover and photos, 44p.p.

Dates: 1980

Cirkus Arnardo Programme, 1981

 Item
Reference code: 178K41.32
Scope and Contents

Posna und Kornelia jugglers, Duo Carrington dog act, Trio Siberia balancing act, Los Alamos Wild West act, Manesjen Klareres, Anita and Brandy illusionist, Miss Isabella trapeze, Barbereren, Nock and Nock, Six Maciva, Les Brumbach, Pio-Mario-Pio clowns, Richter-Truppen equestrian act. Contains illustraion, 4p.p.

Dates: 1981