Original consignment

Component identifier:

Class MS 9477

Content Summary:

Comprises paper clippings documenting the activities of Ashton's and other circuses, used by Judy Cannon in the writing of Take a drum and beat it. Most of the cuttings have been pasted into scrapbooks, and some include memorabilia such as sample tickets, publicity material, flyers and programs, and a few examples of correspondence. Other items such as an Ashton family tree and photocopies of a few early accounts of the circus add to the historical interest of the collection. Other performing troupes represented in the collection include the Australian tours of the Great Moscow Circus, 1971, the German National Circus, 1972, and Los Muchachos Spanish boys circus in 1975. Aspects of the careers of entertainers Tommy Hanlon, Paul Hogan and Will "Sugarfoot" Hutchins are also recorded. In addition, the cuttings provide interesting insights into animal welfare issues, including the treatment of circus animals, the pro- and anti-circus movements, and the operations of zoos and animals parks such as the Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari.

Contained in 4 boxes, 8 fol. boxes, 1 fol. packet.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were forwarded to the National Library on behalf of Ashton's Circus by Judy Cannon, and were received in two instalments in 1998.

Names:

Ashton's Circus

Contents

Access and use