The very rarely seen painted sheet metal hollow circus act balancing ball, almost certainly used by larger animals due to its imposing size, namely the elephant, bear or walrus seal, the whole hand-painted in a sky blue ground with gold stars and later matched to a weathered terracotta pedestal with slightly dished top, the whole surviving from the second quarter of the twentieth century and an unknown travelling circus.
The collection of Philip Clarkson.
The history of animal balancing acts in the circus is tied to the development of the modern circus in the late 18th century and the subsequent introduction of wild animals in the early 19th century. Acts like elephants balancing on balls became popular spectacles, capitalising on the human perception of man’s ability to control nature. However, these performances are now widely recognised as cruel, unethical, and the result of coercive training methods that suppress animals’ natural behaviours and free will. This ball could have been used by a seal on its nose, likewise and elephant or a bear. It is light so it could have been used in water as it likely floats. It is unlikely that this is a rolling globe or walking globe in which a performer balances atop a large sphere because of it is hollow and light.
Forgive the pun, but, on balance, you won’t be finding another; a truly whimsical and unique centre piece.
he condition of the ball itself is simply well-travelled with expected knocks and associated wear with heavy use at the circus with dents here and there. The paintwork is now beautifully worn with age. The associated stand works well to present the ball in its glory but is of course a later marriage.
By appointment only.
