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 9 Collections and/or Records:
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
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.
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.
Joe and Martha Craston, c1900 - 1920
Martha Cashmore and Joe Craston standing together in a park.
Joe and Martha Craston, c1920 - 1940
Martha (nee Cashmore) and Joe Craston in a garden under a rose Arbor with dog sitting at the front.
Joe and Martha Craston, c1900 - 1920
Joe and Martha Craston(nee Cashmore) with dog. 'Russia Sept 1909' written on reverse.
Joe Craston, 11 December 1917
Postcard photographic image of a Joe Craston Senior. 'Dec 11 1917 To my daughter kind wishes many happy returns of the day from Papa, God Bless You' written on reverse.
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