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 7 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

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

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