I'm checking this '38 program cover with Fred Phening Jr., who republished it as the April 2007 Bandwagon cover., without identifying the clown. Fred did relate the following on Roland Butler inside the front cover: "Butler began his circus career in 1921 when he designed a letterhead for Sparks Circus. He then became General Press Representative for the show. He designed Sparks couriers, lithographs and newspaper ad, all in his distinctive style. "In 1930 Butler joined Ringling-Barnum after John Ringling purchased the American Circus Corporation. "After his retirement in 1944 from Ringling he designed letterheads and posters for King Bros., Clyde Beatty, Cristiani-Wallace, Wallace Bros., Leonard Bros., Beers-Barnes, Woodcock's Elephants and the Circus Historical Society. "The king of modern day circus press agents died on October 20, 1961." Lane Talburt
6 comments:
Did Mr. Butler do ALL the Covers through 1933 - 1940 ?
Richard Reynolds asks - -
Is this clown Chesty Mortier(sp?)?
This is one the most attractive RBBBB programs ever.
I know it isn't Chesty. Isn't this Joe "JoJo" Lewis?
Robin
I also think it's Joe Lewis.
Butler painted every 1933-1940 cover except 1939, which was a photo of Chesty Mortier.
Right, Robin. Joe Lewis, famous as a clown cop, married Emmett Kelly's ex, Eva Kelly. She and Joe are buried side by side in Peru.
Roger Smith
I'm checking this '38 program cover with Fred Phening Jr., who republished it as the April 2007 Bandwagon cover., without identifying the clown. Fred did relate the following on Roland Butler inside the front cover:
"Butler began his circus career in 1921 when he designed a letterhead for Sparks Circus. He then became General Press Representative for the show. He designed Sparks couriers, lithographs and newspaper ad, all in his distinctive style.
"In 1930 Butler joined Ringling-Barnum after John Ringling purchased the American Circus Corporation.
"After his retirement in 1944 from Ringling he designed letterheads and posters for King Bros., Clyde Beatty, Cristiani-Wallace, Wallace Bros., Leonard Bros., Beers-Barnes, Woodcock's Elephants and the Circus Historical Society.
"The king of modern day circus press agents died on October 20, 1961."
Lane Talburt
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