Francis Robinson was a Glaswegian who worked for Bostock's Circus in the 1920s. From left to right in this picture are: Ted Lees, originally from Leeds; Frances Robinson; Bob Cross, who was a bandsman and who also looked after the birds; and Frankie Quinn, an Irishman who ran the sideshow and was a driver.
While the circus was in Aberdeen, one of the lions required an operation. It was not possible to knock the lion out completely, so sixteen men were required to hold the animal down while the surgery was performed. The lion struggled fiercely and bit off two of Quinn's fingers.
Robinson went on to work in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy before moving back to Glasgow.
Reference: PP.1981.72.2 / SP.2000.67
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
bandsmen, Bostock's Circus, circus performers, circus stall keepers, circuses, drivers, Irish, lions
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