Derby figure of Joseph Grimaldi
(1778-1837)

Modelled for the Derby Porcelain Factory by the foreman modeller Thomas Griffin in 1826, just before he left Derby to work at Swinton.

Joseph Grimaldi’s career spanned 45 years and he is termed ‘the father of modern clowning’. Each whiteface clown has his own ‘face’; Grimaldi’s included a striking pair of red triangles over his cheeks and a crest of fake hair on a cap over his own. The origins of whiteface clowning date back to the sixteenth century Italian Commedia dell’Arte when ‘Clown’ was the character’s name, like Pierrot and Harlequin. Grimaldi elevated ‘Clown’ to a starring role in pantomimes, supplanting the more dominant role of Harlequin, and introducing audience singing and participation.

Grimaldi was exclusively a theatrical clown and his ebullient performance included acrobatic jumps, tumbles and comic violence, singing and jokes that enlivened the often poorly written pantomimes. Eventually the physical demands took their toll, and by the time he retired at around 1828 his health had suffered.

After his death clowns perpetuated his image both in the theatre and the circus. He is honoured each year on the first Sunday in February at a memorial service in London attended by clowns from all over the world.

Currently to be found in the Ceramics Gallery at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

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