Le Cirque

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I saw Water for Elephants this week and loved it!
It was breathtakingly beautiful and made me grateful for movies that succeed so authentically in transporting us back in time.

 (I found this whimsical watercolor at an estate sale)

 The circus was quite a sight to behold back then.


I've never been one for clowns except for the ones in Cirque de Soleil.


In fact I've always found them to be rather scary, that is until... I came across this wonderful vintage book from the 1940's.


GA-GA


Ever since I got this book I can't stop staring at this bunch of unique & amazing clowns!


J'adore the ropes under the big top!


BUMPO and his little dog TINY


SPOTTY and his hungry pig SUSIE


GO-GO


GA-GA and his nurse PUSHMIE


GOOZLE
and his two gawking goslings, 
GEEZIE and LEEZIE



HOPIT


DROOPY and his closest friend OSCAR


GIGGLI


HIGHTIE and MIGHTIE
the juggling boys


BAGGO
 &


SAGGO


The Great and Honorable, Plenty-High, Plenipotentiary, King-of-the-Ring, 
His Royal Highness:
GRANDIOSO
and
MINNIE
The Quacking Duchess of Goosedom, Waddling Wizard, and Puller-of His-Royal-Highness
GRANDIOSO'S goose cart.



WIDGET



This tattered little blue book with it's beautifully rendered drawings has captured my heart!

What about you?





Comments

Cristin // Simplified Bee said…
I love these vintage circus drawings! The goose pulling the clown in the cart is my fave.

Need to see that movie too!

xo,
cristin
May 12, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Hamptontoes said…
This book looks fabulous! I think these images would be fun in a kids playroom or a small half bath in a weekend home (could add a fun, whimsical touch!)
May 12, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Beach House Living said…
Agree, those aren't the scary kind of clowns. They are very sweet looking.
May 12, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Mary Ann Pickett said…
Colorful and happy. Cheerful pictures.
I loved the book...hope to see the movie this weekend.
May 13, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Simple Daisy said…
I'll have to check it out!!
The pictures look so cute:)
May 14, 2011 at 4:07 AM
Blooming Rose Musings said…
What a wonderful book. The illustrations are magnificent. I feel the same way, I love gentle happy clowns but other clowns scare me. I love the goose. Did you see my giraffe in Water for Elephants? I love that sweet baby!
Thanks for sharing these lovely illustrations.
XO
May 14, 2011 at 9:39 AM
The enchanted home said…
I am seeing it tomorrow and cannot wait! I have heard mixed reviews but that is not stopping me. I loved the book and am always nervous about seeing a movie when I loved the book, but I am excited to see it. These images are incredible. The first thought that crossed my mind was seeing them framed and being hung in a grouping..they are that pretty!
May 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Unknown said…
Send in the Clowns! These illustrations are enough to make me want to take the boys to the Big Apple Circus again!

I can't wait to see the movie!
xoxo Elizabeth
May 15, 2011 at 5:52 PM
for the love of a house said…
they really are so charming!
I loved Go-Go!!
I read the book, and look forward to the movie.

joan
May 17, 2011 at 9:06 PM
SantaBarbaraTalk.blogspot.com said…
Loved Water for Elephants! Also love your clowns...they are very special.
May 18, 2011 at 8:27 PM
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