Whimsical Walker, 1851 - 1934
Dates
- Existence: 21 July 1851 - 10 November 1934
Biography
Whimsical Walker was a British circus performer, actor and clown, born on 21 July 1851 in Hull as Thomas Henry Walker. His mother was a landlady and his father an advance foreman for Cook’s Circus.
Whimsical Walker started his performing career at an early age and by the time he was eight years old he was already performing with Pablo Fanque’s Circus. He was a multitalented performer, trained in equestrianism, tumbling, ropewalking and clowning, but became most famous for his clowning and as a pantomime actor.
Over the course of his career, Whimsical Walker became one of the most famous clowns of his time both in the UK and internationally. He travelled around the world several times with some of the most successful circuses of the time including Henglers and Barnum & Bailey. He also performed by Royal command on several occasions during his career.
Whimsical Walker died on 10 November 1934, aged 83 years old.
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
Newspaper Cuttings and Scrapbooks, 1904 - 1973
Newspaper cuttings and scrapbooks related to Showmen's transport, trade related bye-laws and general Showmen's news from various newspapers and publications.
Showmen's Guild Scrapbook, 1926 - 1929
Scrapbook containing news on taxation, roads, gaming and gambling, women working at the fair, Mitcham Fair, Nottingham Goose Fair, legislation, transport, circus, charitable donations, accidents and safety at the fair, coconut shies and Whimsical Walker's retirement from various newspapers.
The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain Collection
The main extent of the collection contains yearbooks, meetings and minutes, correspondence and a record of day to day activities within The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain.