Clowns Gallery and annual Joseph Grimaldi memorial service, London

JOSEPH GRIMALDI

Joseph Grimaldi ("Joey") is regarded as the greatest British clown. He was born in London in 1778 and died in 1837. His performances at the Sadler's Wells and Drury Lane theatres were extremely popular and helped to establish the British clowning traditions which continues to this day. His tomb is in the Joseph Grimaldi Park (next to 154a Pentonville Road, between Rodney Street and Cumming Street; nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras or Angel; map). The plaque in front of the tomb reads as follows:

JOSEPH GRIMALDI
1778-1837

Joseph Grimaldi was 3 years old when he first went on the stage of Sadler's Wells with his father and worked there for 45 years as performer and part-proprietor. From his debut in 1806 at Covent Garden in Mother Goose he was adored by all and could fill a theatre anywhere. The name Joey has passed into our language to mean a clown. He lived all his life among the people of Clerkenwell and died at 33 Southampton Street, now called Calshot Street. Islington Council has called the park in which he lies buried the Joseph Grimaldi Park to commemorate a great artist and a great man.

"Joey" Grimaldi

The plaque on Grimaldi's tomb

Grimaldi's tomb

In 2006 there was a performance ...

...based on Grimaldi's life story

CHURCH SERVICE

The main event is a church service which is dedicated to Grimaldi.
This normally takes place in Holy Trinity Church on Beechwood Road in Dalston, London E8 3DY.
(Tube: Liverpool Street, then bus 149 or 242; nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland; map)
Occasionally it is held in another nearby church: All Saints Church, Haggerston Road.
There is no charge to attend, but you may want to make a donation at the collection after the service.
The website for both churches is: http://www.trinitysaintsunited.com

Many professional photographers attend
Say "cheese" :-)

Time for a quick game of football
outside ("clowns rules" apply)

We want YOU ...

... to have a good laugh

Clowning is often
a family tradition ...

... past down through
the generations

A lot of monkey business
goes on in the church

A portrait is presented
to a retiring clown ...

... and a wreath is laid for Grimaldi
and for other clowns who died last year

CLOWN SHOW

After the church service there is a performance by some of the clowns.
This is usually in a nearby school hall (in Holy Trinity School).

A bit of hanky panky

Some rock 'n' roll

Even juggling ... on his head!

This rabbit makes a guest appearance ...

... as do some snakes (can you see them?)

The audience all enjoyed the show

Do you think Mattie is natty or batty?

CLOWNS GALLERY

Following the clown's show there is sometimes a special opening of the Clowns Gallery - Museum.
This is the UK's only museum dedicated to clowns and their history.
It is normally open just once a month - on the first Friday (from 12 noon to 5pm)
(special arrangements can be made for group visits at other times)
The address is: All Saints Centre, Haggerston Road, Hackney, London E8 4HT
(Tube: Liverpool Street, then bus 149 or 242; map)
It is just a few minutes' walk from Holy Trinity Church to the Clowns Gallery.

One of the things to see inside the museum is the egg register. This shows the make-up (known as "slap") used by clowns both past and present. It is an unwritten rule that a clown never copies the make-up of another clown - each one is unique and is designed to suit the individual's face.

There are a wide range of pictures, costumes, props and artefacts on display in the museum.
There is an information board about Joseph Grimaldi and a copy of his most famous costume.
You can also listen to a recording made by Coco the Clown, talking about the importance of road safety.

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The annual clown service in Dalston

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