The costumes were probably designed and made by Guillaume Jandaschewsky.

Guillaume Jandaschewsky made most of the circus troupe's costumes. These appear to be made from earlier costumes which were heavily embellished with embroideries of peacocks, doves and flowers. The embroidered figures have been cut off the earlier costumes and sewn onto these ones. As the embroideries have worn, particularly the metal thread, the figures have been over-sewn with sequins. The earlier costumes may well have been made for the Jandaschewskys during their tour of Turkey in the early 1890s. Alterations would have been made during other tours of Europe/Asia/North Africa and Australia.

These costumes were used throughout the Jandaschewsky's performance career. The costumes were repaired often in order to prolong their lifespan.

These costumes were worn by Arthur Jandaschewsky, his father Guillaume and his brothers Emile and Charles in their performance as 'musical clowns'. Typically, they performed in groups of two or three and wore matching costumes. The costumes are constructed using embroideries taken from earlier costumes, over-embroidered and re-worked. The fine metal embroidery in the peacocks indicates they may date from their tour to Constantinople and Turkey in the early 1890s. Names used by the troupe at this time included Zig Zag, Lili Lolo Lala, and Do Re Mi.
The Jandaschewsky family kept their costumes throughout their career, working and re-working them as acts changed or costumes wore out. Arthur continued to draw on his family's costume collection throughout his own career. During the last years of his life 'Jandy' sold the collection to his friend John Anastasiadis. Mr Anastasiadis kept the collection for a 25 year period, having built a repository for housing and exhibiting it at his own home. In 1994 he sold the collection to the MAAS in order to keep it together, and in New South Wales, according to 'Jandy's' wishes.

Costumes, (2), circus, clowns' jumpsuits, silk/velvet/lace/metal, [Guillaume Jandaschewsky], unknown, 1890-1930
Clownsuits (2), full length, longsleeved jumpsuits of red silk, loose fitting with very full trousers, gathered at wrists and ankles, fastening at centre front, with a pocket at either side, elaborate applique decoration, consisting of velvet, silk, sequins and metallic thread, motifs include, peacocks, doves, flowers and calligraphic characters. The suits are fragile, and hand sewn repairs are evident.
(-1) Clownsuit as above, with a zippered front and orange satin ruffles around the pocket openings.
(-2) Clownsuit as above, with button fastenings, lace collar and ruffle, and lace trim below either pocket. This suit is particularly fragile and has been repaired many times.
(-3) Gold sequins (33), which have come off clownsuits, contained in a mylar envelope.

Made: Jandaschewsky, Guillaume; ; 1890 - 1930

: Jandaschewsky, Guillaume;


Used: Jandaschewsky family; Turkey

Used: Troupe Zig Zag; Turkey

Used: Lili Lolo Lala; Turkey

Used: Do Re Mi; Turkey

Owned: Jandaschewsky family;

Owned: Jandaschewsky, Arthur 'Jandy';

Owned: Anastasiadis, John;

none

95/28/1

1890 - 1930

1080 mm