RESEARCH IN TO 'CIRCUS FREAKS' / 'SIDESHOW'

After going to BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH and learning about BELLE VUE I decided to look into the entertainment side of fairgrounds and certain areas of the entertainment at circus's.

Above is an image I looked at the BELLE VUE archive in Chatham Library. This photograph is of 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS'. When we had a man talk to us about BELLE VUE he commented on the fact that no one knows what 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS' consisted of. I believe it was possibly a collection of disabled women who would have been classed as 'CIRCUS FREAKS' at this time. These people would have been an attraction for the public who visited BELLE VUE. 

From looking at 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS' photograph I then decided to research into 'CIRCUS FREAKS' that were performers in circus's. Here I have collected a few photographs that will inspire me with my designs.