Designed and possibly made by Arthur Jandaschewsky based on costumes that had been designed and made by his father.

This costume would date from Arthur's career as a solo performer. While the range is 1920-1960 it is quite likely the costume dates from the last years of Arthur's career, 1945-1960. It does not show the same evidence of reworking as 95/28/1.

This suit was probably designed and made by Arthur Jandaschewsky and dates from the latter part of his career when he was a solo performer. The lyre emblem reflects the Jandaschewsky's emphasis on music and the stage name they most commonly used, Do Re Mi. Cheaper material, less use of fine embroidery and the overall simpler style reflect the decline in status of the circus clown during the twentieth century and the move from circus ring to vaudeville stage and, later, television.
This suit forms part of the Jandaschewsky family collection which was preserved by the last member of that family to live and perform in Australia, Arthur 'Jandy' Jandaschewsky. 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.

Costume, circus, clown's jumpsuit and brooch, satin/calico/metal/glass, Arthur Jandaschewsky, Australia, 1920-1960
Clownsuit, with rhinestone decoration.
(-1) Full length, longsleeved jumpsuit of gold coloured satin, with a calico collar, loose fitting with very full trousers, gathered at wrists and ankles, zipper fastening at centre front, with a pocket at either side trimmed with a red satin ruffle, a lace ruffle runs horizontally around the chest, decorated with sequins, diamantes and rhinestones, arranged to form motifs including lyres, musical notes, stars, butterflies and foliate patterns, fully lined with calico.
(-2) Brooch, rhinestone floriate cluster on gold metal wire frame, with pale and bright blue glass, part of the decoration for clownsuit.

Made: Jandaschewsky, Arthur 'Jandy'; Australia; 1920 - 1960


Used: Jandaschewsky, Arthur 'Jandy';

Used: Do Re Mi;

Used: Jandaschewsky family;

Owned: Jandaschewsky family;

Owned: Jandaschewsky, Arthur 'Jandy';

Owned: Anastasiadis, John;

none

95/28/2

1920 - 1960

1070 mm