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A 2.5x4.5" vintage photo (NOT a modern reprint) from the personal estate collection of Jerry Bangs, of Ringling Bros fame. Many of the photos in his collection were taken by him or other performers and are exceptionally rare or one of a kind.
Provenance: Jerry Bangs was a prominent producing clown, prop artisan, and gag writer for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, active with the show from roughly 1930 through 1949. Known for his creative, character-driven performances, he worked extensively with the "Greatest Show on Earth".
Photo Overview
This candid snapshot captures John Nelson, a stilt walker with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, posed in full costume beneath the big top canvas, waiting backstage to make his entrance. Nelson stands on his stilts draped in an elaborate patterned robe-like costume, leaning against the tent opening in a moment of quiet anticipation before the show. The circus lights glow in the dark background, and a ladder is visible nearby - a glimpse of the real working world behind the Greatest Show on Earth.
This 2.5x4.5 inch snapshot comes directly from the personal estate collection of Jerry Bangs, the celebrated Ringling Bros. producing clown, prop artisan, and gag writer who was active with the show from approximately 1930 through 1949. Photos from the Bangs estate are exceptionally rare, candid, and often one-of-a-kind insider images unavailable anywhere else.
Historical Notes
Stilt walkers were a beloved staple of the Ringling Bros. circus spec (spectacle), often costumed as exotic or fantastical characters to open the grand parade around the hippodrome track. John Nelson's moment of quiet waiting at the tent entrance perfectly illustrates the behind-the-scenes reality of circus life - the long stretches of preparation and patience that preceded the dazzling performances seen by thousands. Jerry Bangs himself was a central figure in the creative machinery of the RBBB circus during its golden age, and photos from his collection offer a uniquely personal window into daily circus life during the 1930s and 1940s. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus continued as the dominant American circus through the 20th century before closing permanently in 2017, making artifacts from its golden era increasingly prized by collectors.
Text Present
Back of photo, stamped text at top: 'Jerry Bangs / Lisbon, N.H.'
Back of photo, handwritten in pencil: 'John Nelson / on / Stilts / waiting to go in'
Print analysis
This appears to be an original silver gelatin snapshot print, consistent with personal snapshot photography of the 1930s-1940s era. The image tone, paper stock, and snapshot format (2.5x4.5 inches) are consistent with a Type 1 original print made at or very close to the time the photo was taken. The 'Jerry Bangs / Lisbon, N.H.' stamp on the back confirms this was developed from Bangs' personal collection, likely processed locally in New Hampshire. This is considered a Type 1 original photo.
Condition
In good to very good antique condition. Please see scans of the image we have provided for the most accurate and complete state of the photo and any age related defects it may have.
