Poster advertising Newsome's Grand Circus, Friday 8 March, Cockridge Street, Leeds

A 17 by 5.5 inches poster from c. 1870, which has been latterly mounted on a paper backing. Advertising "Newsome's Grand Circus", to perform at Cookridge Street, Leeds on Friday 8 March, and including an abundant line up of artists, including a performance of the 'Serie-Comic Hippodrama' The Brigand, Or Lord Dundreary, the Clowns Club, the Roman Brothers (performing for the first time), the great Spanish Gymnasts, Clevori and Permane, and the 4 year old Ms Pauline Newsome riding her pony Firefly. Poster is a little chipped at edges, and has been folded, with a few marks. The mounting is rubbed with a couple of chips and small tears and folds at edges. A rare survival and a fascinating insight. Many circuses at the time were family operations, and presumably Ms Pauline Newsome, riding her pony, was related to the owners. The poster is undated but Newsome's Circus performance at the Cockridge Street site for the first time 1867, and sold it in 1876. The appearance and printing of the poster is consistent with this period.