Doug Ashton, "patriarch of Australia's most enduring circus", dies in Perth

"Mr Ashton never had to run away to join the circus - he was born into the family business and went on the road when he was just six days old." (Herald Sun, 3/11/2011)

Ashton's Circus first began in Australia in 1847 by Doug's great-grandfather and is fondly remembered by most Australians. After the Second World War Doug and his wife Phyllis relaunched the circus and toured the country with their three children in tow. Doug died on tour at the age of 92 and will be remembered as the patriarch of the world's longest running family circus. His children Lorraine, Mervyn and Jan have all remained with the circus.

You can discover more about our collection of circus materials by reading our previous blog story, Heritage Circus Display. Items in the State Library's collection include circus ephemera, photographs, programs, posters, tickets and newspapers.

The National Library of Australia holds materials relating to Ashton's Circus. Four albums of  photographs of Ashton's Circus performers, taken by Gypsy Pennefeather in 1995-96, are housed in the Pictorial Collection at PIC P1473/1-312/R LOC albums. Two interviews recorded with Douglas, Phyllis and Jan Ashton in 1976 and 1993 form part of the Oral History Collection at ORAL TRC 560/7 and ORAL TRC 2590/DAT-57.

For the full story regarding the passing of Mr Doug Ashton read articles by the Sydney Morning Herald and West Australian.

Janette Garrad

Library Technician, Queensland Memory - State Library of Queensland