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Craston, Joe (Joseph), 1868 - 1948

 Person

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 13 Collections and/or Records:

Bertram Mills Circus Programmes, c1900 - 1999

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178K43.488-548
Scope and Contents

Bertram Mills Circus programmes at Olympia and travelling shows.

Dates: c1900 - 1999
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes

Circus Friends Association Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0122
Scope and Contents

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

Dates: 1795 - 2020
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Clown Joe Craston, 2 November 1938

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.234
Scope and Contents

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'.

Dates: 2 November 1938
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Early Circus Programmes, c1800 - 1999

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178K43.1-28
Scope and Contents

Early British circus and variety programmes including Astley's, Batty's and Lord George Sanger's circus.

Dates: c1800 - 1999
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes

Joe and Martha Craston, c1900 - 1920

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.182
Scope and Contents

Joe and Martha Craston(nee Cashmore) with dog. 'Russia Sept 1909' written on reverse.

Dates: c1900 - 1920
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Joe Craston, c1930 - 1940

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.235
Scope and Contents

Publicity postcard photographic print of Joe Craston in clown costume with dog in costume on his shoulder. Joe Craston stamped on the bottom.

Dates: c1930 - 1940
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.246
Scope and Contents

Publicity photograph of clown Joe Craston with performing dog. Joe Craston stamped at the base. 'Jaye & King, Brighton' stamped on reverse.

Dates: c1930 - 1950
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.248
Scope and Contents

Clown Joe Craston with dog appearing out of a container. 'Joe Craston' written on reverse. 'Jerome stamped on reverse with date '21 Nov 1938'.

Dates: c1930 - 1950
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950

 Item — Box Lulu Adams Box 2: Series 178C83
Reference code: 178C83.249
Scope and Contents

Publicity postcard photographic print of Joe Craston in clown costume with dog in costume on his shoulder.

Dates: c1930 - 1950
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection / Photographs

Lord George Sanger's Great Hippodramatic and Spectacular Circus Programme, c1800 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178K43.17
Scope and Contents Mdlles. Marie and Yetta on the lofty wire, Brothers Artois on the horizontal bar, James Holloway, Brothers Austin, Mr. Joseph Craston with clairboyant and talking horse, Tipster, Mdlles. Violet, Topsy and Rose, on the slack wire, H. Austin, equestrian act, Dance Linwood, clown, Prof. James in ladder act, Mdlle. Florezell, contorsionist act, Mdlle. Lillian equestrian act, James Holloway clown, Madame Pauline de Vere lion tamer, Harry Whitely's singing donkey, Messrs. Cottrell and Austen,...
Dates: c1800 - 1899
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Programmes / Early Circus Programmes

Lulu Adams Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0042
Scope and Contents

This collection contains business records, newspaper cuttings, programmes, notebooks and handbills, as well as a collection of black and white photographs, some original artwork and other items relating to Lulu Adam’s personal life and career

Dates: c1880 - 1959
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Miss Cashmore Sport Act Poster, c1900

 Item — Sleeve Lulu Adams Sleeve
Reference code: 178R57.1
Scope and Contents

Colour poster of Martha Cashmore performing in a horse pulled car with dogs. Printed by Andreasen & Lachmann, Copenhagen.

Dates: c1900
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Lulu Adams Collection

Programmes, c1800 - 2019

 Series
Reference code: 178K43
Scope and Contents

A collection of mainly British and international circus programmes and some variety and music hall programmes containing circus acts.

Dates: c1800 - 2019
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection

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