The Clerkenwell King of Clowns – Joseph Grimaldi exhibition ^expired Free

Display commemorating ‘Circus250’ at Finsbury Library. 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of the world’s very first ‘circus’ in London. The Clerkenwell King of Clowns celebrates Joseph Grimaldi (1778 – 1837), the father of modern clowning. Grimaldi became a huge celebrity and spent much of his life both performing and living in Clerkenwell. This commemorative display tells the story of this famous clown, who influenced circus clowns, and clowning across the world, and features contemporary illustrations and original documents from his life and work.

Image credit: Islington Local History Centre