Royal Circus

Artist Rowlandson & Pugin

Publisher R. Ackermann & Co. (British)

DateMay 1,1809

Periodtbd

Mediumcolored print on paper, tbd

DimensionsImage: 8 1/2 × 10 9/16 in. (21.6 × 26.8 cm)
Sheet: 9 5/8 × 12 5/8 in. (24.4 × 32.1 cm)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, 1950

Object numberSN1546.130.1.a

Established in 1782 as The Royal Circus and Equestrian Philharmonic Academy, this London entertainment venue was the first modern usage of the term circus, although Philip Astley's riding academy had been the first to perform a combination of equestrianism, acrobatics, and clowning in a ring. The original owner, Charles Dibdin first landed on the term circus to describe the mixed entertainments he offered, which included the performances of Charles Hughes, a horseman recognized as an early pioneer of circus arts. Around the time of this image the Royal Circus venue was reimagined as a theatrical setting for pantomimes and children's theater. It would eventually be known as the Surrey Theatre. This print is one of the earliest pieces cataloged as part of the Circus Collection. The museum's director, Chick Austin, quickly grew the collection of European prints that celebrated the circus and allied performances.

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