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 120 Collections and/or Records:
Ivor Rosaire and Two Elephants 'Salt' and 'Saucy', 1937
Black and white postcard of Ivor Rosaire with two elephants, known as 'Salt' and 'Saucy'. Includes the following text underneath the image: 'Ivor Presents Rosaire's Elephants'. On the reverse there is a message sent to Joan Manning-Sanders from her mother, Ruth Manning-Sanders. The first line reads: 'Just said goodbye to the Rosaires'.
Ivor Rosaire, Lucy Rosaire, Juliette Rosaire and Derrick Rosaire, 1948
Black and white photograph of Ivor Rosaire, with his wife, Lucy Rosaire and their two children, Juliette (aged 7) and Derrick (aged 4).
Ivor Rosaire, Lucy Rosaire, Zena Rosaire and Stanley Perkins, 1948
Black and white postcard of Ivor Rosaire, with his wife, Lucy Rosaire and Zena Rosaire (also known as Zenita Rosaire) standing on the steps of a living caravan in Jersey. Includes inscription on the reverse that reads as follows: 'Ivor, Zena, Lucy and Stanley Perkins. Taken 1948 Jersey'.
Ivor Rosaire with his Head in the Mouth of an Elephant, c1936 - 1950
Black and white postcard of Ivor Rosaire, shown with his head in an elephants mouth and the elephant is lifting him off the ground.
Jack Fossett, Margaret Fossett and Claude Yelding, c1935 - 1938
Black and white photographs of Jack Fossett, Margaret Fossett and Claude Yelding, performers at Fossett's Circus.
Joan Manning-Sanders, Freddie Pickford and Lizzie the Elephant, c1935 - 1938
Photographic negative of Joan Manning-Sanders, shown with the animal trainer, Freddie Pickford and his elephant, Lizzie. This photograph is thought to have been taken whilst Freddie Pickford was working for Fossett's Circus.
Joan Manning-Sanders, Freddie Pickford and Lizzie the Elephant, c1935 - 1938
Photographic negative of Joan Manning-Sanders with animal trainer, Freddie Pickford and his elephant, Lizzie. This photograph is thought to have been taken whilst Freddie Pickford was working for Fossett's Circus.
Joan Manning-Sanders, Freddie Pickford and Lizzie the Elephant, c1935 - 1938
Black and white photograph of Joan Manning-Sanders, shown riding Lizzie the Elephant at Fossett's Circus.
Joan Manning-Sanders Sitting Outside Bell Tent, c1935 - 1938
Black and white photograph of Joan Manning-Sanders shown sitting Infront of a bell tent in the camp at Fossett's Circus.
John Swallow in Top Hat and Tails, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photograph of circus performer, John Swallow (also known as Johnny Swallow), shown wearing a top hat and tails, possibly whilst working at Rosaire's Circus. Stamped on the reverse as the copyright of Captain A. E. Middleton.
Juliette Rosaire, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Juliette Rosaire, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Juliette Rosaire, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Juliette Rosaire and Two Lion Cubs, c1940 - 1941
Black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged about 1, with two lion cubs.
Juliette Rosaire and Two Lion Cubs, c1940 - 1941
Black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged about 1, with two lion cubs.
Juliette Rosaire and Two Lion Cubs, c1940 - 1941
Black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged about 1, with two lion cubs. Includes inscription on the front of the photograph that reads as follows: 'Juliette Vivian Rosaire. To Auntie Ruth'.
Juliette Rosaire and Two Lion Cubs, c1940 - 1941
Black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged about 1, with two lion cubs.
Juliette Rosaire Dancing, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown dancing in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Juliette Rosaire Dancing, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown dancing in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Juliette Rosaire Dancing, 1949
Studio black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown dancing in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden.
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Object 119
- Collection 1
- Subject
- Acrobats 4
- Aerialists 9
- Animal trainers 33
- Animals 58
- Caravans 12
- Caricatures and cartoons 4
- Circus 116
- Clowning 12
- Dwarfs (Persons) 7
- Equestrians 13
- Exhibitions 3
- Fairground art 4
- Fairs 5
- Family 31
- Gymnasts 4
- Performers 88
- Stunt performers 11
- Tightrope walking 9
- World War, 1939-1945 2 + ∧ less