Circus

This international circus collection owes its existence to the bequest of circus enthusiast K.D. Hartmans (1963). The arrival of the TIN collection (Herman Linssen collection) as well as the Jaap Best collection acquired in 2016 makes the international circus collection one of the largest in Europe.

The collection includes posters, programme booklets, photographs, slides, flyers, clippings and other documentation relating to circus performances, as well as thousands of books. A small part of the circus collection additionally comprises small items such as puzzles, flags, collectibles, and some costumes. Also present are a number of personal and circus archives.

The collection’s focus is on the 19th and 20th centuries, with a special emphasis on travelling circuses and variety shows. The collection is an important source for research into the social, cultural and artistic significance of the circus over the centuries.

• Herman Linssen, Jaap Best and K.D. Hartmans collections 
• Baudert photo Collection
• International circus posters including from Friedländer
• Archives, including those of Valesca Wilke and Circus Kavaljos
• Letellier collection; menageries and predator dressage
• Collection of international circus magazines
• Programme booklets 
• Human exhibitions and 'freak shows'

The circus collection is partly available online and can be accessed through www.theatercollectie.uva.nl. The www.circusmuseum.nl website in addition provides an overview of some of the collection’s highlights , further information on provenance but also extensive instructions for searching. Non-digitally  accessible material can be requested through the curator and viewed in the research room of the IWO Book Depot.

Personal and circus archives can be accessed through ArchivesSpace. Fairground collections containing circus material can also be consulted through ArchivesSpace.

The Willem Rodenhuis Fund is available for research in the field of circus heritage, such as in the management of the Allard Pierson, heritage collections of the University of Amsterdam. The main purpose of the fund is to contribute to study trips (visiting symposiums, archival research at home and abroad). Students, teachers, scientists, and other serious observers of circus heritage can apply for a contribution. A motivated application with a budget of the costs and a curriculum vitae of the applicant can be emailed to: tin_rodenhuisfonds@mail.com.

The Allard Pierson's circus collection is interested in unique material that can contribute to the history of the circus, particularly in the Netherlands. We have previously acquired several collections, including those of Jaap Best and Herman Linssen, who collected internationally. In the future, the Allard Pierson's circus collection will focus more on Dutch circus history. There will also be extra attention for women's history, lhbtiq+, ‘ethnic shows’ and ‘freak shows’.

The material offered is assessed against the acquisition profile and discussed in the monthly acquisition meeting between the curator and collection specialists. When we determine that the material fits well into our collection, we submit it to the Allard Pierson Acquisition team They then decide whether or not it can be included in the circus collection.  

What are we interested in? 
•    Unique archival material (letters, minutes, diaries, notes, etc.)
•    Museum objects from artists and circus performances, among others
•    Programs from before 1945
What are we not interested in?
•    Programs from after 1945 
•    Clipping archives
•    Circus books from after 1900

Do you have material that could be a good addition to the circus collection? Fill in this offer form and we will contact you within 10 working days.

• Frederieke van Wijk
  Curator of circus collection
  Send an e-mail: f.k.vanwijk@uva.nl 
  UvA staff page: Frederieke van Wijk