Jonsson, Harder, 1912 - 1979
Dates
- Existence: 19 May 1912 - 1979
Biography
Harder Jonsson was born in Sweden on 19 May, 1912 and brought up with his sister Inga in Berlin. After the death of his father, a horse trainer, his mother married again and Harder and Inga were educated in ballet, music and the circus arts in the old Busch building in Berlin by their grandmother. According to his former beast man, assistant and long time friend, Hal Fischer, Harder was a versatile man of all trades but circus was his first love. Perhaps his most famous performance was when he trained seven lions in an act for Jeserich Circus in 1949.
Harder left the ring in the 1960s because he wanted to be remembered at the peak of his career, and apart from working weekends at Windsor Safari Park, he never returned to the circus. He died in 1979 aged 67.
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Hal Fisher Collection
The collection comprises Hal Fisher’s extensive research on Blackpool Tower Circus including an index of performers and a variety of research materials. The collection also contains photo albums and programmes taken from his work and travels.
Harder Jonsson Collection
Photographs related to Harder Jonsson and his work at circuses such as the Riskett, Chipperfields and Jeserich Circus as an animal trainer, also some family photographs.
Harder Jonsson Print, c1950 - 1959
Colour digital print of Harder Jonsson with three elephants from the Smart Circus in the Circus Americano ring in Spain. 2 copies.
Original Artwork, c1800 - 2000
Original works of art including artists' prints, drawings, watercolours and paintings, and designs for circus posters.
Photographs, 1930 - 1950
Black and white and colour photographs related mainly to Harder Jonsson and his career as an animal trainers. Also some images of family members. Contains a large amount of images of wild animals used in the circus and some zoos.