Send in the clowns!

Thursday, 3 October 2024 15:14

Showtown & Blackpool Council have announced the acquisition of the Charlie Cairoli Collection - celebrating the legacy of laughter from one of the 20th century's most iconic clowns.

This collection highlights Blackpool's significance both locally and nationally in the evolution of British popular culture and the acquisition now means that the collection will be secured for future generations.

Work will soon be undertaken by the curatorial team at Showtown's History Centre to preserve and make the collection accessible through various venues across Blackpool.

The plan is for the large array of treasures to be featured in rotating displays at Showtown and will also be available for viewing and research at the Showtown History Centre, located within Blackpool Central Library. The Blackpool Tower will also dedicate a display space to the collection as a historic landmark deeply connected to Charlie Cairoli's prestigious career.

Caroline Hall, Curatorial and Collections Manager at Showtown said: “We are thrilled and incredibly grateful for the support we have been given to acquire this amazing collection. Charlie Cairoli has always been important to Blackpool, for the joy he brought to so many, and this acquisition ensures Charlie’s legacy is always celebrated in our vibrant seaside town.

‘’For Showtown the collection also gives us an incredible window into the culture, history, performance and art & design of the world of Circus.

‘’Blackpool Tower Circus has brought the best of international circus to our doorsteps every year for 130 years and this collection will enrich and grow our understanding of the significance of the Tower Circus and the acts that have performed there.’’