Victorian circus inspiration

I always enjoy going to Fraulein Frauke Presents and I was a bit annoyed that I couldn’t go last Saturday. However, on November 24 I will get a new chance and this time the theme is Victorian circus.



The Musz Sisters, http://lenorelovelace.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/carny-style-introduction-part-i/


Poster for Sells Floto circus, http://www.vinmag.com/online/prodshow/AP138___Sells_Floto__Vintage_Circus_Poster__30x40cm_Art_Print__/AP138-sells-floto-circus-princess-victoria-wire-dancer-circus-poster.html


Adije, 1899, http://amstudies.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/faculty-research-janet-davis-on-the-circus/


http://bridgemanart.com/asset/468575/English-Photographer-19th-century/Circus-Performers-bw-photo?search_context=%7B%22url%22%3A%22%5C%2Fsearch.aspx%3Fkey%3D%2520English%2520Photographer%252019th%2520century%26page%3D1%26thumb%3Dx150%26num%3D15%26lang%3Den-gb%22%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22filter_searchoption_id%22%3A%222%22%2C%22filter_assetstatus_id%22%3A1%2C%22filter_text%22%3A%22+English+Photographer+19th+century%22%2C%22filter_prev_text%22%3A%22+English+Photographer+19th+century%22%7D%2C%22num_results%22%3A%221532%22%2C%22sort_order%22%3A%22relevance%22%2C%22search_type%22%3A%22search_assets%22%2C%22item_index%22%3A15%7D


It gives a rather wide time frame and also quite a lot of styles to choose from. I would like to make something that I can use more than once and as I really want some late 19th century clothes anyway I will try to make a bodice that I can pair with a proper skirt later. I could, of course, make a proper bustle ball gown too, but I could also do something more fantasy-esque.


Snake lady, http://sisterwolf.tumblr.com/post/19046078106/snake-lady

The bearded lady does wear a proper evening gown, but I’m not sure I would like to go as a bearded lady.


http://storage.canalblog.com/16/74/456263/26195470_p.jpg

Though I could add a whip and go as a lion tamer.


Gabrielle Ray, 1910, http://realityayslum.tumblr.com/post/15147201525/gibson-girl-gabrielle-ray-with-bullwhip-c-1910

An option is to make bodice and the apron and then add a long skirt later.


Dress, 1887, http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/80002895?rpp=60&pg=9&ao=on&ft=*&deptids=8&when=A.D.+1800-1900&what=Dresses&pos=494

Several pictures features ladies with short puffy knickers and that could be an option if I don’t mind exposing so much leg. I have to think about that- I quite like my legs and with opaque and sturdy stockings it shouldn’t feel too bare. But then the knickers are short… I could make them a wee bit longer, perhaps..


Circus poster, http://images.marketworks.com/hi/62/61530/A-G21-A202.jpg


Miss Farrinton, http://www.toptenzpictures.com/burlesque-exotic-dancers-from-19th-century/


Leona Dare, 1876, http://encyclopediaoftheexquisite.com/?p=964

Leona Dare looks rather amazing and has some really crazy hair!


Leona Dare, http://www.picturehistory.com/


Leona Dare, http://encyclopediaoftheexquisite.com/?p=964

This lady is only included because she is a spitting image of my grandmother Greta!


Snake Lady Emma Pearley with Giant Python, J.J. Ginther Buffalo photographer, 1885, http://dollymacabre.tumblr.com/post/4848913375/victorian-circus-freak-side-show-snake-lady-emma