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 31 Collections and/or Records:
Albert Adams, c1940 - 1950
Clown and theatre manager Albert Victor Adams in partial clown make up. Albert was the husband of Lulu Adams (Louise Craston).
Albert Adams, c1920 - 1929
Albert Adams as clown Albertino.
Albertino, c1930 - 1950
Albert Adams as clown Albertino.
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.
Clown, c1940 - 1960
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams as Albertino
Clown, c1930 - 1950
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams as Albertino.
Clown, c1930 - 1950
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams as Albertino.
Clown, c1940 - 1960
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams (Albertino).
Clown, c1940 - 1950
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams (Albertino).
Clown, c1940 - 1960
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams as Albertino.
Clown, c1940 - 1960
Male clown, possibly Albert Adams as Albertino.
Clowns, c1930 - 1950
Postcard photograph of two clown standing outside a building. The clown on the left is Albert Adams (Albertino) who is wearing female clown clothing and appears to be holding a baby. The clown on the right with a violin is his wife Louise Craston (Lulu Adams).
Clowns, c1930 - 1950
Group of clowns with man in the centre. '--Fred Mayo of Stage Radio and Screen/Was with Barnum and Bailey 1890/Fifth Avenue Hotel, 24 Avenue' written on reverse. Albert Adams as Albertino far right and Lulu Adams second from right.
Contract, 8 November 1932
Contract between the police and Mr Adams, director of the Alhambra theatre in Paris. Typescript, 5pp.
Group of Clowns, c1939
Group of male clowns. 'Dutch, Bobbie, Paul, Albertino, Ring Bros, Barnham & Bailey, 1939' written in pencil on reverse. Albertino is clown Albert Victor Adams, husband of Lulu Adams.
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
Lulu and Albert Adams, c1930 - 1950
Husband and wife Lulu and Albert Adams in partial clown make up. Albert Adams performed as a clown under the name Albertino.