Circus

Circus Friends Association Collection

Fonds

Reference code: NFA0122

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a large library of books and journals, as well as archival material including posters, programmes, photographs, films, handbills, research material, scrapbooks, original artwork and many other items of ephemera relating to British, Irish and European circuses

Dates: 1795 - 2020

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Cyril Critchlow Collection

Fonds

Reference code: NFA0089

Scope and Contents The Cyril Critchlow collection contains programmes, posters, handbills, books and magic journals, many of which relate to shows in Blackpool where Cyril resided and includes material on entertainment venues such as Blackpool’s North Pier, Central Pier, South Pier, Tower Circus and a small collection of programmes from other national venues. Additionally, it contains circus photographs and postcards mainly of the Ohmy Circus and Sanger Circus including individual circus troupes and performers...

Dates: c1837 - 2008

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Jack Wilkinson Collection

Fonds

Reference code: NFA0168

Scope and Contents Black and white and colour photographs and negatives of fairgrounds, fairground organs, steam engines and other transportation systems with annotations by Jack Wilkinson and other sources, such as William Keating, James Davidson, Philip Bradley and Jack Mellor, as well as notebooks, scrapbooks, journals, books, correspondence, research material, audio tapes of fairground organ music and some 3D items including Jack's recording equipment and a model of a fairground organ. Jack Wilkinson’s...

Dates: c1900 - 1979

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Newspaper Cuttings, c1925 -2002

Series

Reference code: 178G22

Scope and Contents

Cuttings and articles from British and international news publications, including local, specialist, and national newspapers and magazines, relating to the personal lives and careers of the Norman family, notably knife thrower, Ralph Norman (aka Hal Denver).

Dates: c1925 -2002

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Norman Family Collection

Newspaper Cuttings and Scapbooks, 1838 - 2007

Series

Reference code: 178G21

Scope and Contents

A collection of newspaper cuttings on circus, circus proprietors and performers and scrapbooks containing newspaper cuttings, posters, programmes and other items of ephemera, covering mainly British circuses and venues such as Belle Vue and also some international circuses.

Dates: 1838 - 2007

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection

Newspaper Cuttings and Scrapbooks, c1832 - 1999

Series

Reference code: 178G25

Scope and Contents

Various newspaper cuttings and scrapbooks about variety and circus performers including the Ohmy and Sanger families.

Dates: c1832 - 1999

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Cyril Critchlow Collection

Norman Family Collection

Fonds

Reference code: NFA0087

Scope and Contents This collection comprises letters, business contracts and agreements, advertising material, printed ephemera and photographs, relating to the life and career of Ralph Norman (also known as Hal Denver), a knife thrower who performed as part of The Sensational Denvers. There are also writings by Ralph Norman, concerning his father, Tom Norman (aka 'The Silver King'), as well as draft chapters for his autobiography, which he titled, 'Knife and Hatchet Man'. Accompanied by a set of throwing...

Dates: c1900 - 2002

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Scrapbook of Multiple Circuses, 1940 - 1950

Item

Reference code: 178G21.11

Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings, mostly from the World's Fair, and black and white photographs relating to multiple circuses and acts including Cirque Molier and Sanger's Circus.

Dates: 1940 - 1950

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Newspaper Cuttings and Scapbooks

Scrapbook of Multiple Circuses, 1952 - 1957

Item

Reference code: 178G21.13

Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings from the World's Fair, black and white photographs, relating to multiple circuses and acts including Robert Fossett's, Blackpool Tower, Lord George Sanger's and Chipperfields.

Dates: 1952 - 1957