Adams, Albert Victor, 1890 - 1949
Dates
- Existence: 1890 - 1949
Biography
Albert was a theatre manager and clown performer. He met Lulu Adams in 1927 while she was touring and they got married soon afer and became double clowning act known as Albertino and Lulu.
Lulu and Albertino, appeared with Bertam Mills Circus, at The Blackpool Tower Circus and with Tom Arnold’s Mammoth Circus, amongst others. In 1939 they were in the United States where they hoped to spend the rest of their careers, but at the break of World War II, Albert who was in the reserves, had to return to the UK.
Albert was an experienced soldier who served in the Great War as a Major. His military service in this instance ended when he was discharged on health grounds after being gassed by enemy forces. On their return to England, Albert was turned down for service, however this did not stop the couple from contributing to the war effort in the best way they knew. For a while Lulu worked as a nurse for the Red Cross, padding crutches and splints, while Albert went on a tour of military stations. Later Lulu and Albertino reformed their act and entertained the troops, as well as factory workers and evacuated children, while also appearing in a miniature circus in a small zoo in Chessington, Surrey.
Lulu and Albert were married for 20 years, until Albert died suddenly in America from heart failure while they were both broadcasting on a New York radio programme on 6 April 1948.
Found in 11 Collections and/or Records:
Brouchure, c1930 - 1949
Brochure and letter about investment in Adams Casino Enterprises, London.
Business Records, 1913 - 1963
Contracts of employment and business receipts related to Lulu Adams, Martha Cashmore, Albert Adams and the Crastonians.
Cartoon of Lulu and Albertino, c1927 - 1948
Probably drawn by Lulu. Ink on brown paper cartoon showing Lulu and Albertino in clown costume standing next to each other with their names written next to each figure, music notes on the sides and some text on the bottom corners.
Contract, 8 November 1932
Contract between the police and Mr Adams, director of the Alhambra theatre in Paris. Typescript, 5pp.
Letterhead Advert, c1930 - 1939
Letterhead promoting Lulu (Lady Clown) and Albertino (August), Musical Clowning, trumpet, saxophone, bagpipes, drums, novelty cello, suitable for circus, fetes, variety, cinema, cabaret, revue, radio, television, act done in English, French and German. Blue and red type on white paper.
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
Newspaper Cuttings, 1925 - 1978
Newspaper cuttings related to Lulu Adams, Albert Adams, Joe Cashmore and the Crastonians.
Newspaper Cuttings Related to Albert Adams, c1925 - 1978
Newspaper cutting about Albert Adams.
Original Artwork, c1910 - 1949
Drawings and card, mostly pressumed to have been designed and drawn by Lulu Adams.
Sally Chipperfield's Circus Programme, c1900 - 1999
Colour illustration of cartoon lion and tiger stood in front of a circus tent and clown on a blue background on the front cover, inside introduction, colour photographs of performers and acts with text and programme in the centre, 8p.p
Various, c1896 - 1939
Various items including promotional and business related material, related to Lulu Adams, Albertino and other performers.