Evanion Collection of ephemera
Over 2,000 adverts and posters from Victorian daily life, collected by the stage magician and ventriloquist, Henry Evans - Evanion to his audience.
Helen Peden
Curator, British Collections 1801-1914
The British Library now owns some 5,000 items from the 'Evanion' collection, originally purchased by the British Museum in 1895. They include many colourful posters and handbills produced as publicity for the various entertainments staged in music halls and theatres, as well as for exhibitions, circuses and other popular events. Trade catalogues, price lists and advertising materials that were once in general circulation reflect both the necessities and the aspirations of contemporary life.
Curator's choice
Helen Peden highlights personal favourite items from the collection
Ticket for a "Wonderful and Amusing Entertainment" by M. Evanion
Henry Evans (ca.1832-1905) was born in Kennington, South London. Under the stage name "Evanion" h...
Trade card of James Pain, pyrotechnist 4228
Charles Brock's spectacular firework fetes at the Crystal Palace during the 1860s and 70s inspire...
Advertisement for cocoa products manufactured by J S Fry & Sons
Dr Joseph Fry, a Quaker apothecary with remarkable business acumen, took advantage of the opportu...
Advertisement for Edward Grove, fashionable tailor and complete outfitter
At the beginning of the 19th century, all fashionable clothing for the upper classes was made by ...
Programme for the Canterbury Theatre of Varieties, Monday 25 March 1889
The popular Canterbury Theatre of Varieties was the first of the great music halls. Opened in 185...
