Unique Circus Images.

 Here are some rare images that have been taken of unique acts through the 1800's.

Lady and the Serpent  

Russian Contortionist 

Lion Tamer 

Hippopotamus Trainer

Lion Trainer 

Clown with Hippopotamus Trainer

Knife Thrower with Assistant 

Knife Juggler 

Unicycle Rider. 

These images are treasured in the circus world as they reflect the life and atmosphere of what once was the age of a life time. Before WHS (Workplace Health & Safety) was brought into the picture, acts would perform amazing death defying tricks that would aww an audience to silence, this makes it harder for performers these days to impress the audiance to the standards that where set by the 1800's acts. 

Vintage Circus'

Traditional circus' consisted usually of a bearded lady, the strong man, crazy contortionists and the clown. These acts have now been taken over by more contemporary and exciting tricks such as trapeze artists and amazing trampoline shows.

Another type of circus that was around soon after that was the adrenaline filled Dare Devil Acts, these shows where filled with knife throwing, human cannonballs and sword swallowing. These shows

Around the same time the classic Flea Circus side show was very popular, this consisted of fleas that where attracted to shall furniture to show the illusion that they where performing circus acts within small houses.

Circus Posters

Over time advertising for circus' has been similar although instead of screen printing their posters circus'  digitally print their posters.
Although posters have changed dramatically in their way of demonstrating what the audience should expect. Instead of expecting a lion jumping through a flaming hoop or an elephant dancing in a pretty tutu the audiance is expecting crazy contortionists and exciting unicycling.

The advancement of technology has helped companies to explore deeper meanings into their posters. Older posters were at a disadvantage of lack of technology and materials, yet still managed to create distinct and iconic posters. 

Posters today have the technology to create bold and sharp images that engage and intrigue the audience. 

As you can see the style of posters have changed, some might say for the better others might say that the traditional posters are classics. I'll let you make up your mind on what style you prefer.