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Figurine
Unknown - Enlarge image
Figurine
- Date:
19th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Moulded bronze
- Credit Line:
Given by David Fitzroy
- Museum number:
S.112-2000
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This bronze figurine is a candlestick in the form of a 19th century clown holding two vases which are the candle or taper holders. It was presented to the clown, Charlie Keith (1835-1895), and probably represents Keith himself, showing his wig modelled in the traditional clown's 'three-bobble' coiffure.
Charlie Keith was a Londoner who began his career as a tumbler at the Whitehall Music Hall and later at the Bower Saloon as a sprite. In the 1850s Keith toured as an acrobat and by 1861 advertised himself as 'Charley Keith, the Favourite Clown, Tumbler, Chair and Original Performer'. In May 1868, he opened his own circus at Exeter, a portable wooden building which he called Grand Cirque Imperial, featuring his own troupe of riders, jugglers and gymnasts. In 1882 Keith submitted a patent for a travelling circus building, and during his lifetime he travelled the world as a circus proprietor and clown, erected as many as 65 circus buildings, and performed before royalty. He died in Bury and was buried in Southport.
