Craston, Joe (Joseph), 1868 - 1948
Dates
- Existence: 1868 - 1948
Biography
Joe Craston was an equestrian, clown, animal trainer and circus proprietor. He was singled out by Lord George Sanger at the age of 9, to be made the central figure and youngest solo clown in his circus. Although Joe also performed as an acrobatic rider for some time he eventually devoted himself to clowning after a series of accidents. Joe Craston married Martha Cashmore and they had three children; Louise aka Lulu, Victoria and Josep aka Joe, all of who followed the family tradition into circus performance.
Found in 58 Collections and/or Records:
Acrobatic Troupe, c1870 - 1880
Copy photographic print on mount of acrobatic or gymnastic troupe with boy clown in the centre. The clown is Joe Craston. Joe Craston was also known as Joe Hodgini or Hogini (named after his mentor) when training as a young clown.
Bertram Mills' Circus Programme, 22 December 1936 - 27 January 1937
Olympia, London. Colour illustration of Joe Craston in his signature clown's custome on front cover, inside introduction, black and white photographs of performers and acts, some articles, section covering who is who of Bertram Mills circus and commercial advertising. Printed by Fleetwood Press Ltd, 30p.p.
Bertram Mills' Circus Programme, 20 December 1946 - 1 February 1947
Olympia, Londo. Colour illustration of Joe Craston on a blue background on front cover, inside black and white photographs of acts and performers with text, programme with illustrations in the centre and commercial advertising, 22p.p.
Bertram Mills' Circus Programme, 1947
Colour illustration of Joe Craston on a red background on front cover, inside black and white photographs of acts and performers, programme in the centre and commercial advertising, 8p.p.
Bertram Mills' Circus Programme, 1948
Colour illustration of Joe Craston on a red background on front cover, inside black and white photographs of acts and performers with text, programme in the centre and commercial advertising, 8p.p.
Bertram Mills Circus Programmes, c1900 - 1999
Bertram Mills Circus programmes at Olympia and travelling shows.
Business Correspondence, 1919 - 1958
Four letters and two cards of business nature relating to Lulu Adams, The Crastonians, Lulu’s doll making business, Joe Cashmore and Joe Craston.
Circus Friends Association Collection
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
Clown at Event, c1930 - 1940
Clown, Joe Craston seen from the rear, engaging with seated audience. Probably at Mansion House, London. 'Sport & General Press Agency' stamped on reverse. Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
Clown Cashmore, c1900 - 1910
Promotional postcard photograph of Clown Cashmore. Postcard printed in Lisbon, Portugal. The clown is believed to be Joe Craston.
Clown in the Circus Ring, c1930 - 1950
Clown performing in the circus ring with a dog and a miniature cart. Probably Joe Craston.
Clown Joe Craston, 2 November 1938
Clown Joe Craston performing on stage with dog appearing out of a container. 'Joe Craston' written on reverse. 'Jerome stamped on reverse with date '21 Nov 1938'.
Clowns at Children's Party, c1930 - 1940
Children's party scene with a large group of children and two clowns. One of the clowns (Joe Craston) is holding a circular disc with the words 'Electric'. The other clown is Whimsical Walker. An adult male wearing a chain of office is also to the rear, possibly Mayor of London at Mansion House. Copyright 'Fox Photos Tudor Street London' is stamped on the reverse.
Clowns at Event, 8 January 1936
Clown, Joe Craston, to the right and male and female in fancy dress costume. 'Mansion House 8/1/36' written on reverse. Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. 'Keystone View Company' stamped on reverse.
Correspondence, 1907 - 1961
Letters and cards addressed to Lulu, the Crastons and Cashmores relating to business and personal matters.
Craston Family Group, c1930 - 1940
Family group, three women and a man in a garden setting. 'The Vicarage Garden Party' written on reverse. Left to right: Louise Craston (Lulu Adams), Joe Craston, Victoria Craston and Martha Craston.
Early Circus Programmes, c1800 - 1999
Early British circus and variety programmes including Astley's, Batty's and Lord George Sanger's circus.
Family Group, c1937
Large family group standing outside a building with sign for County Borough of Wolverhampton Social Welfare Department. Possibly a wedding group. Front row, believed to be, left to right: Joe Craston Senior, Joe Craston Junior, Joe's wife?, Victoria Craston; Lulu Adams,
Family Group, c1937
Large family group standing outside a building with sign for County Borough of Wolverhampton Social Welfare Department. Possibly a wedding group. Front row, believed to be, left to right: Joe Craston Senior, Joe Craston Junior, Joe's wife?, Victoria Craston; Lulu Adams, Joe Craston Junior and Victoria Adams.
Fancy Dress Party, 8 January 1927
Children's fancy dress party with the Lord Mayor of London (Sir Roland Blades) at the London Press Club. Clowns Whimsical Walker (left) and Joe Craston (right) are also in attendance. January 8 1927. 'Topical Press Agency' stamped on reverse.