When The Circus Comes To Town!
Toy Soldier Collector|February/March 2017

Keith Nairn-Munro harks back to the bygone age of the circus and takes a look at the many figures produced over the years to represent it.

When The Circus Comes To Town!

The simple words “It's arrived!” could send a frisson of excitement sparking through the school that not even the fiercest teacher could suppress. Conversely, the words “We have ring side seats” could elicit a cloud of envy that could transform a fairly passive gathering into a cauldron of displeasure. Such was the power of the circus!

To try and convey the fascination that this institution engendered for many years after the war is exceedingly difficult. The reason being, it was of its time and we now view the whole tableau that formed the Big Top with such different eyes.

Nonetheless, if we can just for a moment set aside the awful nature of the animal training and the way they were kept, I would like to transport you back to a rather naive world where the glamour and spectacle of the circus entranced people of all ages and brought a sunbeam of pleasure into many mundane and dreary lives.

At the height of its post war popularity, there were three major circuses touring Britain, Billy Smarts, Chipperfields and Bertrand Mills. The power of the circus was so strong that no Christmas could pass without one being on the television. But the real magic and thrill was to be able to sit by the ringside, your senses bedazzled with so much to hear and see. 

One minute you were laughing hysterically as the clowns threw buckets of water with abandon, often soaking the audience as much as themselves. Then in the next blink, your back pressed hard against the seat, you gazed spellbound as a lion flung open its cavernous mouth to roar displeasure at a whip cracking tamer.

This story is from the February/March 2017 edition of Toy Soldier Collector.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February/March 2017 edition of Toy Soldier Collector.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TOY SOLDIER COLLECTORView All
John Jenkins Designs
Toy Soldier Collector International

John Jenkins Designs

An iconic World War II fighter aircraft and a heavyweight from the annals of military history are among the latest new releases from John Jenkins Designs (JJD).

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Surprising Canadians
Toy Soldier Collector International

Surprising Canadians

Guy Elliott looks at the largely unknown military history of his native land.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2021
W. Britain
Toy Soldier Collector International

W. Britain

A leading manufacturer since 1893, Britains needs little introduction to even the most casual of toy soldier collectors. Under the leadership of Ken Osen, the company is still going strong, expanding its existing product lines and seeking opportunities to introduce even more exciting new ranges.

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Thomas Gunn Miniatures
Toy Soldier Collector International

Thomas Gunn Miniatures

Reviews of new metal figures to arrive in the hobby by George Philips

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2021
The Last Sake
Toy Soldier Collector International

The Last Sake

Eduardo Fernandez paints a large-scale bust.

time-read
8 mins  |
February - March 2021
The World of Model Soldiers, Part 1
Toy Soldier Collector International

The World of Model Soldiers, Part 1

Colin Luxford takes a tour of the world in miniature, starting with Europe and Asia.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2021
King & Country
Toy Soldier Collector International

King & Country

Reviews of new metal figures to arrive in the hobby by George Philips.

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2021
GNM Miniatures
Toy Soldier Collector International

GNM Miniatures

Hougoumont North Gate diorama

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Dressing the Kiddies
Toy Soldier Collector International

Dressing the Kiddies

Keith Nairn-Munro presents the second part of his study of the uniforms and history of the Scots Guards up to the Great War.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2021
A Family Enterprise
Toy Soldier Collector International

A Family Enterprise

George Phillips speaks to Abram Simon about the past, present and future of New Zealand-based Fleurbaix Toy Soldiers.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2021