JON ANTON PRESENTS................MODEL CIRCUSES, CIRCUS
MODELS
ANTON CODY'S MODEL CIRCUS
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ANTON CODY'S MODEL CIRCUS
(click any picture for a larger view)
The model, one of the largest in
Britain, was first created in 1956 when it's owner was just 10 years old,
with a tablecloth for the Big Top plus a few Dinky toy lorries.
The show now depicts a very large
touring Circus of the late 1960's/early 70's, with the older type heavy
canvas Big Top, (before the introduction of the continental plastic tents
of today). Many of the vehicles are ex-WD tractors: GMC, Mack, Scammell,
Diamond T etc. and 1950's/60's Foden, ERF, Leyland, plus later Volvo and
Mercedes. Many of the vehicles have been acquired abroad whilst working
around the world, and rebuilt or adapted for use on the Circus, others
being built from scratch.
In earlier days, the animals were
the backbone of the Circus with the larger shows boasting 15 or more
Elephants, 50+ Horses and all types of Lions, Tigers, Bears, Leopards,
Camels, Giraffe, Llamas, Zebras and exotic species.
Sadly, if animal rights
organisations have their way regarding Circuses and Zoos, the only way
children will see beautiful exotic animals will be on TV and video.
On the left side of the Big Top
are the many Artistes and Staff caravans or 'living trailers', plus
converted buses and coaches which were also a common sight on Circuses and
Fairgrounds as living quarters. Also displayed are the giant haulage
tractors which often towed up to 3 trailers! plus 8 wheeler Foden and
Leyland lorries for seating, poles, props and other equipment. Not
forgetting the mobile toilets and the show's own Fire Service!
On the right of the Big Top is the
Zoo area, including the huge Elephant transporters with Kenworth and
Mercedes tractor units. (An adult elephant weighs around 4 tons!). Also
travelling quarters for the Lions, Tigers, Bears, Leopards etc.
Horseboxes, transport for Zebras, Llamas and converted double-decker bus
for our Giraffe! Also on display is the Bandstand from the Big Top,
practice ring, exercise enclosures, stable tent and Artistes wardrobe
department etc.
The Show front features the Main
Entrance and Booking Office which folds up into it's own articulated
truck. Also the fleet of advance publicity vans which travel ahead of the
show advertising the arrival of the circus with posters etc. over the
surrounding areas.
The entire circus builds up and
pulls down exactly as the real thing and loads completely on the show's
transport, ready for the road. The entire model has over 150 vehicles and
is still growing!! |
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THE BLACKPOOL TOWER CIRCUS |
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BLACKPOOL TOWER MODEL CIRCUS
(click any picture for a larger view)
The Blackpool Tower Circus first
opened on the 14th. of May 1894 as part of the magnificent Blackpool Tower
Complex. The Fabulous Circus Building, designed by Mr. Frank Matcham,
stands between the four huge legs of the Blackpool Tower, rising 518ft.
(158m) above it. The Circus still thrives, well over a century after it
opened, with a 7 month Summer Circus Season each year, plus a Pantomime
& other winter events.
The Blackpool Tower Circus is one
of only two surviving, purpose-built, permanent Circus buildings in Great
Britain. (The other being the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome). In the early
part of the 20th Century, there were around 30, in major cities &
seaside resorts around the country. The most famous, being "Hengler's
Royal Circus" now better known as The London Palladium!!
Although Circus as we know it,
originated in London in 1768, it has spread throughout the world, where it
is universally popular as one of the most respected art forms,
particularly in Russia, Asia, China & the Far East.
Britain now has 2 permanent
Circuses & around 25 Touring Circuses. Plus visiting tours of the
Moscow & Chinese State Circuses, also German, French & American
Circuses. As well as the more avante garde productions such as 'Eclipse'
& the amazing 'Cirque du Soleil'.
This is the ONLY model of the
world famous Circus, constructed to l/50th. scale in 1991. It depicts the
Circus in the 1960's & is exact in every possible detail. The audience
consists of over 1,400 people, all hand painted. Still to be completed is
the ornate gold leaf plasterwork, Bandstand, Sinking Ring, Dancing
Fountains & Lighting. PLUS the completion of the Blackpool Tower (over
10ft. high.)
Both Models are built &
presented by Jon Anton, who has been a professional Circus & Variety
Artiste for over 40 years, & would welcome any questions or queries
you may have on the models or Circuses in general.
We acknowledge
the Invaluable help & assistance of: The management of Tower World
& Leisure Parcs, Blackpool Mr John Thain & Mr Eric Redfern of The
Blackpool Tower Company The staff of the Blackpool Museum & Library
Archives. Mr & Mrs J Briaris, Mr & Mrs G Prunty, Mr & Mrs D
Fishpool
Also...
The Management & Museum Direction of the
Romney Hythe &
Dymchurch Railway
in the presentation of these models. |
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ALL Logos, Images & Photographs are COPYRIGHT to Their Owners, & May Not be reproduced without Their Permission. |