Street ventriloquist, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

14062

Title

Street ventriloquist, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Description

A group of adults and children gather to watch a ventriloquist's act on the cobbled street of the Grassmarket, Edinburgh. The ventriloquist performs with a puppet that is balanced on top of a stepladder. Most of the men wear caps and one is leaning on a bicycle. A small dog stands near the crowd. Behind the spectators is a shop and a lodging house.

Artist / maker

Chrystal, Francis M.

Date

1914

Size

16 x 20.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

A ventriloquist is someone who projects their voice moving their lips as little as possible, so it appears that the sound is coming from elsewhere. Ventriloquist acts performed with a dummy became popular at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Grassmarket is a central area situated below Edinburgh Castle. It has been the site of many public executions. A weekly market was held there from 1477 until 1911. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Dogs

People > Entertainment and sports > Entertainers

People > Entertainment and sports > Spectators

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Public accommodation facilities > Lodging houses

Toys > Puppets > Puppets

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