GERMAN CIRCUS PHOTO ALBUM 1958-1963

Late 1950s, early 1960s European Circus album, with writing on the pages in German, Italian, French and English. It appears to be kept by someone named Juanita, who most of the inscriptions are made out to, and it looks like she worked behind the scenes at German circus that seemed to travel around Europe. In one photo, the performer writes that it was pleasant working with her and her family.

There are 45 photos housed in a 21 page 11.5" x 7.25" album with an embossed, red-leather cover, and with most having onion skin protective sheets between each page. Black album pages measure: 10"x6.75". The largest photo - of two circus performers in costume in a studio - is loose at the front of the album and measures 7"x9.5". The smallest photo measures 2.25"x5.5," and it is of contortionist Gitta Morelly after winning several awards. Photo dimensions and quality vary. Some are torn with exuberant and creative intention, while others are written on and dedicated to Juanita. The majority of photos are glued to the page, while the rest are held with corner tabs. All but one color photo are black and white. Two photos are loose at front of album, and one photo appears to be missing. The final two pages are empty.

Some of the acts include the 4 Palacios, Edith and Ingrid Stickler, The River Sisters, The Flying Burketts, Bedini, Lys Assia, The Akeff, etc.

This album of circus performers is playful and eccentric. Photos are framed with chalk drawings, inscriptions, and cut-outs of family crests. Circus performers are portrayed in various conditions: actively performing tricks on horses, wearing a live leopard, juggling balls, playing with a seal, flying on the trapeze, or smiling in a studio.