Beschreibung:

(Circus, Equestrian)A group of seven broadsides featuring horsemanship in the early circus A Representation of the Surprizing Performances of Mr. Price. [London]: J. Williams, [ca. 1767]. Engraved broadside (200 x 215 mm). Woodcut engraving of Price on horseback with two performers at center, surrounded by a border of eight more woodcut vignettes, each with printed caption, tipped on to a sheet of paper; a few creases, browning at corners, stray spots. — Various Feats of Horsemanship By Mr. Sampson. Islington [London]: np, [1767]. Letterpress handbill (190 x 145 mm). Printed in black, mounted on paper, photograph mounted on verso; some wear to left margin, stray spots. — Hughes, Charles. Hughes's Riding-School, Black-Friars Bridge. [London]: np, [ca. 1772]. Letterpress playbill (290 x 230 mm). Two woodcut vignettes depicting horsemanship at head; dampstaining to margins especially at corners, spotting, old horizontal fold, tape to upper right corner on verso. — Astley, Philip. Astley's Summer Amusements. [London]: np, [ca. 1785]. Letterpress playbill (427 x 184 mm). Printed in several type sizes, "Astley's Amusements in London" in ink on verso; old folds and creases, wear to margins, some text a little faded. — Helme, Jack. For the Benefit of Mr. Helme. Royal Circus. London: Farmer, 1798. Letterpress playbill (595 x 250 mm). Printed in numerous type sizes; old folds and creases, a few pinholes, a little wear to left margin with chip to upper corner. — Another Change. At the New Circus in the Market-Place. Hull: J. Ferraby, 1803. Letterpress playbill (418 x 168 mm). Printed in several typefaces and sizes, woodcut vignette at head; old horizontal folds, chips to left margin, some spots. — Miss Bannister. Olympic Circus. Leeds: Dewhirst, 1818. Letterpress playbill (510 mm x 190 mm). Woodcut vignettes depicting horsemanship at head and center, reverse woodcut with engraved text; short closed tear to head, a few pinholes, two old horizontal folds, creases. Including playbills for Philip Astley and his rival Charles Hughes. The broadsides announce numerous feats of horsemanship, including "Riding upon his Head and firing a pistol on full speed," "a droll Piece of Horsemanship Burlesqued," a performance by a "Sagacious Little Pony, which fetches and carries like a Spaniel," among others. The broadside for Hughes contains a dare to the audience: "Let any Horseman who can equal Hughes's Activity ... he shall receive a premium of £100." This offer also appears in Lot 353—though there Hughes has upped the ante to a £200 prize. Sold as group lot, not subject to return.Condition reportCondition as described in catalogue entry.