 | This article includes a list ofgeneral references, butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations. Please help toimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(August 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Andrew Ducrow | |
|---|---|
 Andrew Ducrow, Astley's Amphitheatre, London, 1834 | |
| Born | Andrew Ducrow (1793-10-10)10 October 1793 |
| Died | 27 January 1842(1842-01-27) (aged 48) |
| Resting place | Kensal Green Cemetery |
| Occupation | Circus performer |
Andrew Ducrow (10 October 1793 – 27 January 1842) was a Britishcircus performer, often called the "Colossus of equestrians". He was the originator ofhorsemanship acts and proprietor ofAstley's Amphitheatre, and remains one of the few giants of equestrian drama whose name is still familiar in the twenty-first century.
Ducrow was trained by his father, who had immigrated to England from Belgium in 1793.
Ducrow performed within the United Kingdom and in Europe, including in famous venues such asCovent Garden andDrury Lane. He is perhaps best known as the proprietor of Astley's Amphitheatre, where he was also the chief performer. Referred to by some as "theChippendales of his day," Ducrow and his sons would dress in "fleshings" (flesh-colouredbody stockings) to perform physique poses calledplastiques, while standing upon the rumps of whitestallions cantering round the amphitheatre.
Pablo Fanque, the black circus equestrian and later circus owner, best known from his mention inThe Beatles song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" on the albumSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, worked in Ducrow's circus for some time.[1]
Ducrow's shows proved immensely popular. Unfortunately, the Amphitheatre succumbed three times to fire. After the third time in 1841, Ducrow collapsed from a mental breakdown and died shortly thereafter in 1842.William Batty took over management of Astley's Amphitheatre and an employee of Ducrow called Joseph Hillier took over Ducrow's circus company.[2]
Ducrow is buried on the Main (or Centre) Avenue atKensal Green Cemetery in London, England, then one of the most desirable burial plots of the time. His tomb is one of the largest and most decorated tombs within the cemetery. The decoration is primarily pagan, being drawn fromGreek andEgyptian sources. There is noChristian-inspired decoration. The tomb was designed by Ducrow's theatrical designer and originally was brightly painted in pastel hues to attract the eye. These have faded over time.
The "Courier of St. Petersburg", his most famous act, was the forerunner to modern horse acts and is still performed today at equestrian events.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
  | This article about a British entertainer is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
  | This biographical article related to Britishequestrianism is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
