Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837) has gone down in history as the original Joey the Clown. Born in London to an actor father, Grimaldi was put on the stage at the age of two. His childhood was filled with minor roles, and by 1801, he was established as one of London's leading clowns. At that time, a clown was a bumbling character, but Grimaldi refashioned the concept, transforming the clown into the absurd figure we know today. "Joey" became a generic term for all clowns on the London stage, and Joseph Grimaldi's whiteface make-up became their norm.
Grimaldi was the most popular actor of Regency times. Although his startling mask, bizarre hair, and bright costume transformed him into an entrancing character, he, like so many other great comedians, was a rather melancholy individual. Nevertheless, he was an indefatigable worker, and he pushed his body to great extremes just to get a laugh. But the extreme physical exertion of all those leaps and tumbles took its toll, and in 1823, Grimaldi had to retire because he was suffering from "premature old age."
I know of only three pearlware figures of Grimaldi the clown, and all are in British museums. They are as close to identical as early Staffordshire figures can be.
Grimaldi was the most popular actor of Regency times. Although his startling mask, bizarre hair, and bright costume transformed him into an entrancing character, he, like so many other great comedians, was a rather melancholy individual. Nevertheless, he was an indefatigable worker, and he pushed his body to great extremes just to get a laugh. But the extreme physical exertion of all those leaps and tumbles took its toll, and in 1823, Grimaldi had to retire because he was suffering from "premature old age."
I know of only three pearlware figures of Grimaldi the clown, and all are in British museums. They are as close to identical as early Staffordshire figures can be.
Courtesy the Victorian and Albert Museum, London.
Their design source is this charming print, published in 1807.
I am not sure when pearlware figures of Grimaldi were first made, but possibly they were in production by 1810. Although Grimaldi retired in 1823, it seems the figure continued in production after that date. Figure fragments of the very same form were excavated from St. Paul's church yard, Burslem, and are associated with Enoch Wood, circa 1828.
And then there is this ugly creature, a very modern reproduction of the early pearlware figure of Grimaldi. The repro can be found most days on eBay...but I have yet to see one sell!
And then there is this ugly creature, a very modern reproduction of the early pearlware figure of Grimaldi. The repro can be found most days on eBay...but I have yet to see one sell!
