LUCY KEMP-WELCH (1869–1958)

PROPERTY OF A CONNOISSEUR, LONDONLUCY KEMP-WELCH (1869–1958)Whimsical Walkersigned with initials L.K.W (lower left)oil on board51 x 41 cm (20 x 16 in)The son of a circus manager, Thomas Dawson Walker (1851-1934) first appeared as a professional clown under the sobriquet ‘Whimsical Walker’ in 1865. He worked both in pantomime and circus, first in London for Sanger’s Circus (see lot 14), and also frequently in the USA. He appeared before Queen Victoria in a royal command performance at Windsor Castle in 1886, and in his later years performed regularly at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and the fabled Christmas circus held annually at Olympia. His last royal performance was before the eight year old Princess Elizabeth in 1934. Artist's Resale Rights may apply on this lot.