Manning-Sanders, Ruth, 1886 - 1988
Dates
- Existence: 21 August 1886 - 12 October 1988
Biography
Ruth Manning-Sanders was born in Swansea, Wales on 21 August 1886. She was the youngest daughter of John Edmondson Manning, a Unitarian minister, and Emma Manning (nee Browne Brock). The family moved to Sheffield when she was three, and then, relocated to Manchester in 1902.
She went on to study English literature and Shakespearean studies at Manchester University. Due to an illness, she was forced to leave university and whilst convalescing in Devon she met artist, George Sanders (later known as George Manning-Sanders). They married in 1911 and spent much of their early married life touring England in a horse-drawn caravan with Rosaire’s Circus, owned by Fred Ross (also known as Fred Rosaire or ‘The Count’).
She wrote about her experiences with the circus extensively. Her novel titled ‘The Golden Ball: A Novel of the Circus’ (1954) is said to include parallels with the life of Leon LaRoche, a famed circus performer with Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1895 through 1902. She also wrote about the origins and history of the circus in her book titled, ‘The English Circus’ (1952).
Ruth Manning-Sanders had a very successful writing career with her first work published in 1919. Two of her early poetry collections were published by The Hogarth Press run by Leonard and Virginia Woolf. She went on to write ninety books in varying genres, including prose, poetry and non-fiction. She is best known for her children’s’ stories and retelling of fairytales and ancient legends, which she began writing after the Second World War.
She died in Penzance, Cornwall aged 102 on 12 October 1988.
Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
Dennis Rosaire on the Wire, c1938 - 1950
Black and white photograph of Dennis Rosaire balancing on one hand on a low wire. This photograph was published in Ruth Manning-Sanders book titled, 'The English Circus', published in 1952.
Don Valento Business Card, c1940 - 1950
Business card for 'Don Valento on the wire' (aka Dennis Rosaire). White card, black text and illustrated with a black and white photograph of Dennis Rosaire, shown balancing on a wire. Pencil inscription on the reverse of the card reads as follows: 'Betty King 8B Morland Road, East Croydon'. 1p.
High Wire Performers on Bicycles, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photograph of four high wire performers shown on bicycles on stage at an unidentified circus. Stamped on the reverse as the copyright of Captain A. E. Middleton.
Lion Cage and High Wire Performer On Stage, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photograph of a high wire performer and lion cage on stage at an unidentified circus (foreground), as well as crowds (background). Photograph numbered 21.
Miscellaneous Circus Photographs, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photographs of various circus shows and performers, together with photographic reproductions of illustrations and drawings of circus performers, as well as advertisements for travelling circuses, thought to be compiled by Ruth Manning Sanders, whilst writing her book on the origins and history of the circus titled, 'The English Circus'.
Photographs, c1930 - 1955
Includes photographs of photographs of circus performers, compiled by Ruth Manning-Sanders.
Rosaire’s Circus Photographs, c1936 - 1950
Ruth Manning-Sanders Collection
Various Material, c1940 - 1950
Includes miscellaneous printed material, compiled by Ruth Manning-Sanders.
Filtered By
- Subject: Tightrope walking X
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Object 8
- Collection 1
- Subject
- Acrobats 3
- Aerialists 8
- Animal trainers 4
- Animals 5
- Caravans 4
- Caricatures and cartoons 3
- Clowning 4
- Dwarfs (Persons) 4
- Equestrians 5
- Exhibitions 2
- Fairground art 3
- Fairs 3
- Family 3
- Gymnasts 3
- Stunt performers 4 + ∧ less