Smart, Kay, c1930 - 2016
Dates
- Existence: c1930 - 2016
Biography
Kathleen Prentice aka Kay was the daughter of wild west performers Cevil and Lila Prentice aka The Granadas, who travelled around the variety theatres in the first half of the twentieth century. Kay became a trapeze artist and started performing in circuses as a child.
Kay married Ronnie Smart, son of Billy Smart, at Windsor on 12 March 1950. Kay joined the Billy Smart Circus and was instrumental to its expansion during the mid 1900s. Kay and Ronnie ran Smart's circus until it stopped travelling in 1971.
Kay died on September 2016 in Jersey.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Interview with Kate Smart, 1981 - 1982, 25 February 1982, 21 January 1981
Interview with Mrs Kate Smart, Mr Buller Hatwell and other showmen/women conducted by Rod Spooner at Barnt Green and Cassington on cassette tape format. First four people interviewed on 25 February 1982 at George Smart’s house, Barnt Green, Birmingham. Buller Hatwell interviewed at Cassington, nr. Oxford on 21 January 1981.
Rod Spooner Collection
The collection includes photographs taken by Jack Mellor and includes images of fairground rides, sideshows and traction engines. There are copies of Rod Spooner's photographs of South and Midland Fairs from 1952-1953. Also included is a cassette recording of an interview With Kay Smart and other showmen/women.