Mr Grimaldi as clown
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This image of Grimaldi as Clown was first published in 1807 and has gone on to be reproduced many times.
Joseph Grimaldi was born in London in 1778. His father, also named Joseph, was an Italian pantomime actor and ballet master. The father and son appeared together for the first time on stage when Grimaldi was just 3 years old.
The typical clown and master of slapstick humour we know today; with white face, red nose and baggy costume, was Grimaldi's original, comic creation.
Location: Memoirs 791-330924 GRI HMGclown
"Mr. Grimaldi as Clown, In the Popular new Pantomime of Mother Goose. Price 2.E "colour'd". Published February 14, 1807 by S De Wilde No. 9 Tavistock Row, Covent Garden."
