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 26 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.
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
Circus Performers (Back), c1850-1910
Back of a black and white photograph of Sanger circus performers, includes gymnasts, acrobats and riders. Individuals are named on the back and are believed to be ; Claude Randall, Sam Hodgini, Georgina Coleman, Harry Hodgini, Dan Feeley, Kate Feeley, William Feeley, L. Feeley, Arthur Reeve, Clara Feeley, August la Place (Feeley, Dankey/O, George Coleman, Topsy Coleman, Little Claude Randall (Freddie Randall), Mr Philpott, Joe Cranston (Hodgini) and George Holloway
Circus Performers (Front), c1850-1910
Black and white photograph of Sanger circus performers, includes gymnasts, acrobats and riders. Individuals are named on the back and are believed to be ; Claude Randall, Sam Hodgini, Georgina Coleman, Harry Hodgini, Dan Feeley, Kate Feeley, William Feeley, L. Feeley, Arthur Reeve, Clara Feeley, August la Place (Feeley, Dankey/O, George Coleman, Topsy Coleman, Little Claude Randall (Freddie Randall), Mr Philpott, Joe Cranston (Hodgini) and George Holloway
Clown in the Circus Ring, c1930 - 1950
Clown performing in the circus ring with a dog and a miniature cart. Probably Joe Craston.
Correspondence, 1907 - 1961
Letters and cards addressed to Lulu, the Crastons and Cashmores relating to business and personal matters.
Early Circus Programmes, c1800 - 1999
Early British circus and variety programmes including Astley's, Batty's and Lord George Sanger's circus.
Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950
Painted image of Joe Craston, possibly from a circus programme. 'Keep Smiling' written in the top corner.
Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950
Painted image of Joe Craston, possibly from a circus programme.
Joe Craston, c1900 - 1920
Publicity photographic print for Joe Craston in clown costume. Joe is playing a stringer musical instrument and is accompanied with a dog next to another instrument. The photograph has had the background painted out in black. 'Mr Craston, paint out background' written on reverse.
Joe Craston, c1930 - 1950
Joe Craston performing as a clown in the circus ring driving a miniature coach and horses with other clowns in the background. 'Copyright Captain A. E. Middleton, Kenilworth Court, London, SW15' stamped on the reverse.
John F. C. Heather Collection
Black and white photographs related to Joseph Charles Heather, the Sanger Circus and the Bostock Jungle.
Lord George Sanger's Great Hippodramatic and Spectacular Circus Programme, c1800 - 1899
Lulu Adams Collection
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
Man and Boy Beside Circus Lorry, c1930 - 1950
Man and boy standing beside a lorry with lettering for Lord George Sanger's Circus. The man could be Joe Craston Senior circus clown.