Artwork
Tour poster advertising Lord George Sanger's Circus, Malvern Link, 1957
Tour poster advertising Lord George Sanger's Circus, Malvern Link, 1957 is a poster by Hastings Printing Company Ltd.. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This 1957 poster was made to advertise Lord George Sanger’s Circus for its whole season. It’s a simple print with a blank spot where they added the local Malvern Link details by hand.
The design left room to update dates and shows as the circus traveled. That blank white box saved time and money for each new show.
Take a look at the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this poster.
Overview
This 1957 poster advertised Lord George Sanger's Circus for its entire touring season, featuring a pre-printed design with a removable white rectangle for venue-specific details, such as the Malvern Link appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The poster promoted a diverse circus program, including exotic animal acts (Abyssinian Lions, Arabian Horses, Performing Llama), acrobatic feats (Miss Lilane, Grace and Thrills), and equestrian performances (4 Westerns, Pure-Bred Shetland Ponies), highlighting the circus's traditional entertainment appeal.
Technique & Style
The poster's practical design prioritized efficiency, with a standardized layout and overprint-friendly white rectangle, reflecting the commercial needs of a touring circus rather than innovative artistic expression.
History & Provenance
Part of the legacy of 'Lord' George Sanger (1827-1911), a prominent 19th-century circus proprietor, this poster represents the enduring family-run business into the 20th century; now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Created for mass distribution during the circus's 1957 tour, the poster's simplicity and adaptability suited the demands of frequent venue changes, catering to a broad, touring audience.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hastings Printing Company Ltd.
Hastings Printing Company Ltd. made eye-catching 1950s–60s circus and event posters. Their 1957 Lord George Sanger’s Circus poster shows a red-and-white striped big top, lions, and trapeze artists in Malvern Link. In…
