Image Title

:  The Barnum Bailey greatest show on earth circus poster

Additional Name(s)

: Strobridge & Co. Lith. -- Lithographer

Created Date

: 1908

Specific Material Type

: Prints

Item Physical Description

: 1 poster : col. ; 50 x 76 cm.

Notes

: National Endowment for the Arts Millennium Project. Note 2.) In 1887 James A. Bailey joined with P. T. Barnum to form the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Known by its motto, "The Greatest Show on Earth", it toured Europe in the 1890's. Barnum died in 1891 and Bailey, who introduced the 3 ring circus format in 1881, became sole owner. In addition to its tours of the United States, it also made another successful tour of Europe from 1897-1902. With Bailey's death in 1906, the Ringling Brothers bought the show from Bailey's widow. The Barnum & Bailey Circus toured under its own name until 1919 when it was merged with the Ringling show. Note 3.) Library of Congress, two copies received March 2, 1908--Verso. Note 4.) Portraits of P.A. Bailey and P.T. Barnum appeared on advertising posters produced by the Strobridge Litho. Co. as early as 1897. Note 5.) Poster for the Barnum & Bailey circus, illustrated with portraits of J. A. Bailey and P. T. Barnum. Note 6.) Posters & lobby cards Note 7.) Treasures of the American Performing Arts, 1875-1923

Source

: Circus and magic posters

Location

: The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts / Billy Rose Theatre Division

Catalog Call Number

: MWEZ +++ 19777, no. 5

Digital ID

: g98f979

Record ID

: 182374

Digital Item Published

: 7-28-2005; updated 3-25-2011