I invited Contributing Photographer John Claridge along to the 67th Annual Grimaldi Service at Holy Trinity Church in Dalston last weekend to take a set of clown portraits, as a complement to his fine series of boxers. We were guests of Clowns International, the world’s oldest clown club founded in 1947, and John set up a studio in a quiet corner where we spent a memorable afternoon, entertained by a procession of cheery funsters sufficient to brighten the grimmest February day.
Jolly Jack - Clowning for thirty-six years.
Joe Sammy - Third generation clown, grandson of Mickell the Clown.
Uncle Colin – Clowning for thirty-six years. In partnership with Mr Woo as The Custard Clowns.
Glory B & Bernie (short for Bernadette) – Performing for twenty-five years.
Rainbow – Clowning for seventeen years.
Slapstick – Clowning for twenty-four years, since the age of thirteen.
Tuppy – From Adelaide on a visit.
Tofu the Zany - Clowning for more than twenty-five years.
Photographs copyright © John Claridge
You might like to read my account
At the 65th Annual Grimaldi Service
or read these other Grimaldi stories
and take a look at more pictures by John Claridge
Along the Thames with John Claridge
At the Salvation Army with John Claridge
A Few Diversions by John Claridge
Signs, Posters, Typography & Graphics
Views from a Dinghy by John Claridge
In Another World with John Claridge
A Few Pints with John Claridge
Some East End Portraits by John Claridge
Sunday Morning Stroll with John Claridge
Just Another Day With John Claridge
At the Salvation Army in Eighties
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round One)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Two)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Three)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Four)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Five)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Six)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Seven)
John Claridge’s Boxers (Round Eight)