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:
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.
Juliette Rosaire 'Limbering Up', 1949
Black and white photograph of Juliette Rosaire aged 8, shown doing gymnastics in a sequined costume and wearing a crown, taken during a trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Inscription on the reverse reads as follows: 'Juliette 8 years Stockholm July 1949. Limbering Up'.
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.
Little Tommy Baker, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photograph of the equestrian, Tommy Baker, shown as a boy sitting on a circus tent peg holding a soft toy dog with his father(?). Inscription on the reverse reads as follows: 'Little Tommy Baker when riding in his father's tiny circus he was discovered by Bertram Mills and became a star turn at Olympia'.
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'.
Mr Ducrow as Jack Junk, c1930 - 1955
Black and white photograph reproduction of an illustration titled, ‘Mr Ducrow as Jack Junk’.
Newspaper Cuttings, 1938 - 1952
Includes newspaper cuttings, compiled by Ruth Manning-Sanders.
Photographs, c1930 - 1955
Includes photographs of photographs of circus performers, compiled by Ruth Manning-Sanders.
Robert Fossett Junior, Horse and Living Caravan, c1935 - 1938
Black and white postcard of Robert Fossett Junior, shown in costume with a horse standing (foreground) and living caravan (background). Inscription in green ink on the reserve reads as follows: 'Robert Fossett (Junior) Champion English Circus Jockey'.
Rosaire's Circus Crowds Queuing, c1936 - 1938
Black and white postcard of crowds queuing at the entrance to Rosaire's Circus. Includes a message on the reverse that reads as follows: 'Before the war clouds dimmed the horizon throngs of happy people loved to visit the travelling circuses - Today a topsy-turvy world presents them with 'Adolf in Blunderland'. From a photo taken on Rosaire's Circus before the closing down order was ever thought of'. Photo B. C. Harris'.
Rosaire's Circus Crowds Queuing, c1936 - 1938
Black and white postcard of crowds queuing at the ticket booth at the entrance to Rosaire's Circus.
Rosaire's Circus Crowds Queuing, c1936 - 1938
Black and white postcard of crowds queuing at the ticket booth, as well as general view of living vans and circus vehicles at the entrance to Rosaire's Circus.
Rosaire’s Circus Newspaper Cuttings, November 1938 - May 1952
Newspaper cuttings of a series of articles on the circus, written by Ruth Manning-Sanders for the Sunday Chronical (April - May 1952). Accompanied by two newspaper cuttings, relating to rehearsals by performers from Rosaire's Circus at a farm near Billericay, Essex (November 1938).
Rosaire's Circus Performers On Stage, c1936 - 1950
Black and white photograph of a large group of circus performers on stage, possibly at Rosaire's Circus. Inscription on the reverse reads as follows: 'To Ruth and George. From Countess Flo'.
Rosaire’s Circus Photographs, c1936 - 1950
Rosaire's Circus Sign, Caravans and Tents, c1936 - 1938
Black and white postcard of the circus sign at the entrance to Rosaire's Circus. Also showing a man and a dog, caravans (one advertising 'The Kilty Lassies') and ticket booth (background), and circus tent (background).
Ruth Manning-Sanders and a Monkey, c1935 - 1938
Black and white photograph of a woman, thought to be Ruth Manning-Sanders, shown holding a monkey whilst travelling with Fossett's Circus.
Ruth Manning-Sanders and a Monkey, c1935 - 1938
Mounted black and white photograph of a woman, thought to be Ruth Manning-Sanders, shown holding a monkey whilst travelling with Fossett's Circus.
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