Sells Brothers poster – vintage circus poster – c1885

Sells Brothers poster – vintage circus poster – c1885 For over two decades, the Sells Brothers, a quartet of enterprising siblings (Ephraim, William, Lewis, and Peter), captivated audiences across the United States with their travelling circus. From 1872 to 1895, their extravaganza showcased a dazzling array of exotic animals – from majestic elephants and powerful tigers to playful bears and stoic camels. Alongside these captivating creatures, a troupe of talented acrobats, comical clowns, and other performers kept crowds on the edge of their seats. To entice spectators, the circus produced a multitude of colourful Sells Brothers posters, each highlighting the vibrant spectacle awaiting them. Under the grand tent, a dazzling array of exotic animals awaited. Majestic elephants trumpeted their arrival, while powerful tigers showcased their raw power. Playful bears lumbered about, and stoic camels, symbols of resilience, stood tall. These captivating creatures weren’t the only stars of the show. A troupe of talented acrobats defied gravity with their mesmerizing feats, while comical clowns, with their witty antics and vibrant attire, kept the crowds roaring with laughter. Other performers, from fire-eaters to contortionists, added to the captivating spectacle, ensuring that every moment under the big top was a breathtaking experience. To entice potential audiences and spread the word about their grand spectacle, the Sells Brothers produced a multitude of colourful Sells Brothers posters. Each one was a vibrant canvas, bursting with life and color, promising a world of wonder within. This particular poster, created around 1895, served as a vivid invitation to witness the “Living Pair of Full Grown Hippopotomi.” The image itself is a masterpiece, showcasing the two enormous hippos in their natural habitat – a vast lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Their wide-open mouths, revealing formidable teeth, hint at their raw power, adding a touch of intrigue to the image. Beyond the captivating visuals, the Sells Brothers poster’s text boasts of the circus’s grandeur, proclaiming it to be a combination of “Six Enormous Rail-Road Shows Now United!” This statement not only highlights the vast scale of the operation but also hints at the diverse range of performances and attractions that awaited eager spectators. The Sells Brothers’ circus, was formerly known by its grand title of “The Quadruple Alliance, Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Circus,” entertained audiences for decades. Their base, known as Sellsville, was a sizable area in Clinton Township, near the Olentangy River and King Avenue, and housed both animals and staff during the off-season. Despite being one of the most popular circuses in its time, the Sells Brothers Circus faced financial difficulties in the late 1880s and early 1890s. Unfortunately, these challenges proved insurmountable, and the once-thrilling spectacle came to a close. In 1900, the Sells Brothers joined forces with Adam Forepaugh’s circus, forming the “Forepaugh-Sells Brothers’ Circus.” This merged entity later combined with the “Floto Dog & Pony Show” to become the “Sells Floto Circus,” continuing the legacy of the Sells Brothers’ entertainment empire.