Going to the circus is a day full of anticipation. The excitement of seeing the antics of the clowns, the finesse of the acrobats, and all the animals. On July 6, 1944, people were gathering in Hartford, Connecticut to attend the circus. In those days, circus events took place under a huge canvas tent called the Big Top. This particular circus was unique in that it was the largest Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus in the country. The huge tent could seat 9,000 people. Unforunately, it was a historical day for quite another reason. The Big Tent was coated with parafin wax dissolved in gasoline, a common waterproofing method used at the time. During the event, a fire broke out, and disaster ensued. You can read about the horrific event here.
My daughter told me about this little known (to me) piece of history, and I decided to create my challenge quilt to remember this sad event.
I started by creating the red and white background to signify the huge circus tents. If you read the article, you may note that one photo shows Emmett Kelly, the famous sad circus clown, carrying a water bucket, so I used a similar facial expression on my clown. The white Grunge fabric, with its gray splotches, represents the smoky air.
The words were made using fabric markers, because I was behind schedule on this quilt and was leaving on vacation in a matter of days, so I took the easy route of the markers. The clowns' face was glue-basted and then sewn to the background using raw-edge applique.
For the quilting, I used yellow thread and stitched flames over the entire quilt, but not the face.
I had this fun circus print on my shelf and decided to use some of it for the backing fabric.
The finished quilt is 17" x 18.5". This was definitely a challenge for me. It took me awhile to come up with an idea, but I am satisfied that I met the challenge.
Wendy
Nice tribute to the horrific occurrence. And wonderful job with the clown rendition and the writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYour writing with the markers is so precise!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I remember from a childhood visit to the circus was the clowns throwing confetti out of water buckets, and then of course hitting someone with real water. I wonder how far back that gag goes.
I remember that gag, too! I didn't go to more than maybe two circuses that I remember, but the clowns were always a favorite (and a little scary).
DeleteI just went to visit your link, Wendy and that really is a horrifying tale: "The fiery tent collapsed in about eight minutes". Your quilt is a perfect tribute to that terrible day and it's a wonderful piece of art. Every aspect of it is just right. You've really aced this challenge :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janine. I was so stunned to learn of that event, too, and sorry for those who lost family and friends.
DeleteWhat a terrible ending to a happy day out for everyone. The face of your clown is so evocative, you have made a lovely homage to such a disastrous event
ReplyDelete