Image courtesy American Sign Museum
From July 30 to October 4, the American Sign Museum will host a new exhibition displaying banners and signs advertising “freaks” and sideshow acts that once dazzled audiences attending traveling circuses during the 20th century.
In addition to the colorful collection of banners from Dave and Lynn Waller as part of Freaks and Sideshows: American Circus Banners 1920–1970, will be special programming with guest speakers over the next few months, offering visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history of a sensational and peculiar entertainment industry in American history.
The exhibition not only displays bold designs and colors that capture well-known circus acts, but uncovers the stories of both performers and sign painters as they navigated a strange and lively career. More than 25 banners will be featured in the exhibition, demonstrating an extensive history of advertising for traveling circuses and unique oddities.
One such banner is Ralph the Elephant Boy, which was produced around the 1920s. The painting, while cartoonish in nature, is as detailed as a traditional painting. The boy’s hoof-like legs come to life, with special attention given to the texture of his rare skin condition, which made ligaments on his body appear hide-like and thick to audiences.
Image courtesy American Sign Museum
While the artist’s use of brushstrokes to portray the boy is a feat alone, it’s noted that this banner best displays the painter’s development of shorthand traditional for circus advertising—a curtain-like border, simple background, bright colors, and clear lettering as seen in this poster became the template for future works.
These elements are best demonstrated by another piece, “Spider Girl,” depicting one of many acts in the sideshow segment of the circus. While some events and banners featured authentic experiences with the performer’s talents on display, others like “Spider Girl” used the art of illusion to make it appear as though they are someone or something else entirely. The performer, in this instance, was a woman who kept all but her head concealed and used “gaffs,” or illusory tricks, to make it seem as though her body was that of a spider, which was operated by strings.
In addition to the gallery and these notable banners, the American Sign Museum will also host a lineup of guest speakers to talk about the circus, culture, and its impact on social life. “The Main Event” on July 30 is the museum’s grand opening of the exhibition from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to the banners, the museum will host a live show featuring the Cincinnati Circus and the 1936 North American Heat Wave, which will set the perfect ambiance of the time. The event itself is free to members and $20 for non-members.
On August 20, the collector of these banners, Dave Waller, will give a talk on how he developed his collection of circus banners and the stories he discovered about them along the way. Following on August 27 is a lecture with Jason Harris about the circus’ complex impact on the history of those with disabilities
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