Freak shows ephemera. Box 1.

  • Ephemera

About this work

Description

Box file containing items of ephemera in acid-free sleeves. These are mostly postcards issued from the Victorian era through to the 1930s featuring people with very unusual physical characteristics who often earned a very healthy living by performing in highly popular touring freak shows, variety shows or in circuses. They were commonly introduced to royalty across the world and were significant celebrities of their day. The cards would have been sold as souvenirs at the shows. The cards feature siamese twins, 'Two goats born with one head and two bodies' (Aden), fat people, midgets, giants, people covered in hair and contortionists. 'Armetro, the armless musician' (signed postcard. 1930s?)

Physical description

1 box ; 34 x 33 cm.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    EPH499

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