Beeson, Berta (Herbert "Slats" Beeson) | The Mad-Cap Whirlwind of Mid-Air

Beeson, Berta (Herbert "Slats" Beeson)
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows. Berta Beeson, Sensational High Wire Artist. The Mad-Cap Whirlwind of Mid-Air. Cincinnati & New York: The Strobridge Litho. Co., 1920s (no. R-B-2840)

Color lithograph poster (42 x 28 1/8 in.; 1068 x 704 mm). Light horizontal fold crease, some marginal wrinkling, tears, and minor chips, some dampstaining at lower and right margins, rebacked with linen.

"Herbert 'Berta' Beeson was advertised by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as a female wire walker. … But the program also warned 'you expect a lot—and Boy, oh Boy, you get it.' … Beeson was the circus's answer to the performer 'Babette,' the American cross-dressing wire walker and aerialist who was the toast of 1920s Europe" (Circus).

REFERENCE:
Circus, p. 219

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.