Thursday, January 25, 2007

From Sue Lenz


As I know your blog is a lot about the history of Circus, I though some of your readers from UK might like to see the enclosed picture.

In the UK at the moment Patrick Austin is about to start his season running the "Circus Ginnett" …….. This Circus was previously run by his father Michael Austin for many years and in 2003 received the Award for being the “Best Small Circus in UK”

Michael is the son of Len “Spider” Austin, he and his brother Alby were clowns with Bertram Mills for many years, and their father was “Bandbox” Austin also a clown.I am fortunate enough to have the enclosed photo of my Dad, Freddy Yelding, his brother Victor Julian with “Spider” and “Bandbox” Austin, taken in the 1930’s

I think it is nice that the younger generation are taking an interest and chance to take a Circus out in this difficult time for Circuses.
Regards.
Sue. Posted by Picasa

Posted by Buckles at 1/25/2007 06:41:00 AM

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo. Great circus history. Keep it coming Sue. Thanks so much for your interest. Iassume the ringmaster to be Victor and your father on the horse. Noe the jockey riding ensemble.

25 January, 2007 09:08
Anonymous said...

Johnny you are right, The rider is my Dad and the Ringmaster is his younger brother Victor.

There were eight Yelding brothers and one sister, all started out doing a double trapeze act, as each one was old enough to work they replaced each other. Dad started with his older brother Johnny, then with Victor.

David, another brother had a fall and died at a very young age.

All the brothers were bareback riders, Victor went into dogs and used my Grandmothers name of Julian to save the confusion of so many Yeldings.

This photo was taken with G.B. Chapmams Stage Circus.

25 January, 2007 12:35
Anonymous said...

Sue, I am so glad of your comment. Victor Julian has always been an insperation for all my life regarding dogs. My first black poodle wore copys of his wardrobe for his dogs. JC used to groom her. I have never seen a more classy dog act. Funny and great acts, but Victor Julian was my favorite and I always went into the audience to watch him work. Wonderful performer. I have never ever heard of another act like his. I guess people know he could never be improved upon or copyed. I know you were proud of him as you should be.

25 January, 2007 13:23
Anonymous said...

On the contrary Rebecca. I believe Victors dress dog act was one of the most copied acts in circus biz. But no one ever did it quite like or as good as Victor. They even copied his music and some were pretty good. He was a master showman.

26 January, 2007 10:57
Anonymous said...

Ditto Mr Herriott
The one I thought came close was an ex trapeze godess by the name of Gerard Soules. Not as great but did a good job.The last time I worked with him was also with Roy Wells in Japan for Paul Kaye

26 January, 2007 15:03

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