Ring Master Collection

Smiling ringmaster in circus ring pointing to acrobats juggling, walking tightrope and balancing on unicycle

Ring Master, illustration from Voyage aux Pyrenees by Hippolyte Taine (1828-93), Hachette, Paris
CHT207870 Ring Master, illustration from Voyage aux Pyrenees by Hippolyte Taine (1828-93), Hachette, Paris, published 1860 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Dore

At the Circus: Horsewoman; Au cirque: ecuyere, 1888 (oil on vellum)
1768327 At the Circus: Horsewoman; Au cirque: ecuyere, 1888 (oil on vellum) by Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de (1864-1901); 26.7 (diam) cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: At the Circus)

Touroff - French circus poster, 1890 (colour litho)
747129 Touroff - French circus poster, 1890 (colour litho) by Weiner, J. (fl.1890); Private Collection; Photo eBarbara Singer; out of copyright

The Great "Trick Act"(engraving)
2777112 The Great " Trick Act" (engraving) by Tenniel, John (1820-1914) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Great " Trick Act". Cartoon, 4 July 1874)

Page from Hamleys Toy Shop catalogue, 1937 (litho)
5989463 Page from Hamleys Toy Shop catalogue, 1937 (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Page from Hamleys Toy Shop catalogue, 1937.); © Look and Learn

Equestrian Revels of the Lancers (engraving)
1615877 Equestrian Revels of the Lancers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Equestrian Revels of the Lancers)

Equestrienne (At the Cirque Fernando), 1887-88 (oil on canvas)
2967777 Equestrienne (At the Cirque Fernando), 1887-88 (oil on canvas) by Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de (1864-1901); 100.3x161.3 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Circus ringmaster John Moore with friendly Llama, Augusto Family Circus, 21st December 1977

Three show girls who have been engaged by Jack Hiltons Circus at the Earls Court to be Ring Mistresses during the run were taken down to London Zoo so that they could get used to some of the type of

Three show girls who have been engaged by Jack Hiltons Circus at the Earls Court to be Ring Mistresses during the run were taken down to London Zoo so that they could get used to some of the type of

Circus performers. December 1948 O16106-002

Illustration, circus ring master wearing white gloves, top hat, red waistcoat under black jacket, tight black trousers and red boots, holding whip, front view

The Circus, 1891 (oil on canvas)
XIR21625 The Circus, 1891 (oil on canvas) by Seurat, Georges Pierre (1859-91); 185.5x152.5 cm; Musee d Orsay, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

The Busy Showman. President Thedore Roosevelt as a circus ringmaster controlling Congress with his big stick
ROOSEVELT CARTOON, 1906. The Busy Showman. President Thedore Roosevelt as a circus ringmaster controlling Congress with his big stick. American cartoon by W.A. Rogers, 1906

Roosevelt Cartoon, 1906
ROOSEVELT CARTOON, 1906. The Busy Showman. President Theodore Roosevelt as a circus ringmaster controlling Congress with his big stick. American cartoon by W.A. Rogers, 1906

The Tatler Christmas Number front cover, 1953
Front cover of The Tatler Christmas Number, 1953 featuring a scene inside a circus big top, with children being entertained by clowns and a girl acrobat on horseback. Date: 1953

Circus performers in a packed arena. Watercolour painting by Raymond Sheppard

Knife Thrower / Circa 1880
A knife thrower in leotard and tights prepares to throw another blade at his blindfolded assistant who is tied down to make sure she doesn t accidently flinch

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"Captivating the Crowd: The Enigmatic Ring Master" Step right up and witness the mesmerizing world of the ring master. With a charismatic smile, this figure commands attention in the circus ring, pointing with excitement at acrobats skillfully juggling, fearlessly walking tightropes, and effortlessly balancing on unicycles. From an illustration in Hippolyte Taine's "Voyage aux Pyrenees" to a black-and-white photograph capturing their essence, we see how this iconic character has captivated audiences throughout history. In an oil painting from 1888 titled "At the Circus: Horsewoman, " we catch a glimpse of the ring master orchestrating a grand spectacle. Their presence is felt again in Mr Barratt's vibrant canvas "Circus at Bath: Mr Barratt and Patch" from 1939-40. Even French circus posters like Touroff's colorful lithograph from 1890 pay homage to these masters of ceremonies. But it doesn't stop there – even toy catalogs feature them. A page from Hamleys Toy Shop catalogue in 1937 showcases miniature versions of these captivating characters that children could bring into their own homes. Evidently, they have become timeless symbols of wonderment and entertainment. And let us not forget about their connection with animals. In one heartwarming image, we see circus ringmaster John Moore sharing a special moment with a friendly llama at Augusto Family Circus. It reminds us that behind every great showman lies compassion for both performers and creatures alike. Moreover, it seems that no matter where you go or what time period you explore, there are always showgirls ready to dazzle under the guidance of these enigmatic figures. As evidenced by Jack Hilton's engagement of three talented showgirls for his circus at Earl’s Court.