Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Magazine & Program (1951 Edition)
Ephemera, Commercial Print/Program on paper • Bill Bomar (signed 'BOMAR' in lower left quadrant)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern illustration, Americana, Pop Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/offset printing on semi-gloss magazine stock
Creation Period
1951
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches; Portrait orientation; Staple-bound booklet
Subject Description
A collage-style composition featuring various circus elements: a stylized blue goose, a Padaung woman with traditional neck rings (Kayan Lahwi style), an elephant, a giraffe, a chimpanzee wearing a party hat, and a clown in full makeup. The background includes the 'Big Top' tent.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. Shows minor edge wear and light creasing on the spine typical for its age.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $85 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $60 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced souvenir program sold during the 1951 circus tour; likely acquired as a memento by a circus attendee and preserved in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A significant piece of mid-20th-century Americana reflecting the height of 'The Greatest Show on Earth.' It documents the era's marketing and the diverse (now controversial) attractions used by Ringling Bros, while showcasing the illustrative style of Bill Bomar.
Notable Features
Features the distinct signature of artist Bill Bomar; contains the original 25-cent price marking; includes a rare combination of comics, stories, and photos typical of the expanded 1950s programs.
Condition Issues
Visible rubbing on the red header, minor dog-earing on corners, faint spine stress lines, and potential light yellowing of interior pages due to high-acid paper content.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality Mylar sleeve with a backing board. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the red inks.