The modern clown has many historic roots, from court jesters to commedia dell’arte fools; each culture finds some socially sanctioned way to lighten the dark. Once all-ages fare, clowns in ...

Polka-dotted clowns squirting water and fashioning balloon animals became a staple of children’s parties, and the modern clown became associated with childish comedy rather than theatre.

In 1946 a church service took place at the Holy Trinity Church in Dalston, east London, to commemorate the life of Joseph Grimaldi, considered by many as the father of modern clowning. The service ...