Scope and Contents

Manuscript letters sent to Ruth Manning-Sanders from Freddie Pickford, relating to his route while performing as an animal trainer with 'Empire Circus', the financial problems experienced during his time working for a circus in Portsmouth, as well as news concerning his elephant, Lizzie. The letters are signed 'F. Pickford and Lizzie the Elephant'.

Scope and Contents Manuscript letters sent to Ruth Manning-Sanders from Fred Rosaire (known as 'The Count') and Florence Rosaire (known as 'The Countess') of Rosaire’s Circus, as well as other members of the Rosaire family, including: ‘Martin and Ida’, ‘Dennis and Emilia’, Zena Rosaire, ‘Helen’ (wife of Aubrey Rosaire) and ‘Lucy’ (wife of Ivor Rosaire). Interspersed with letters from Frank Geddes, Bernard C. Harris and Douglas G. H. Burrage, all of which worked for, or were connected with, Rosaire’s Circus....

Scope and Contents

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).

Scope and Contents

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.

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Business card for Frank Foster, Equestrian Director at Bertram Mills Circus. White card, black text and illustrated with a black and white photograph of Frank Foster, shown in costume. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Catalogue listing posters, objects and other memorabilia on display at the First International Exhibition of Circusiana presented by Simpson (Piccadilly) Ltd. Green soft cover, with red and black text. 16pp.