Shadow show

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Shadow show

Shadow show. Copes Toy Models (The Country Fair) cigarette cards. Artist: William Henry Ellam Date: circa 1930

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14224660

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Peter & Dawn Cope Collection

Cigarette Copes Ellam Models Shadow

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Shadow Show (The Country Fair)" by British artist William Henry Ellam, depicts an enchanting moment from a bygone era. Dated circa 1930, the image transports us back in time to a country fair where the magic of shadows comes to life. The heart of the scene is a makeshift shadow theater, where a skilled performer manipulates intricately crafted toy models, casting their shadows onto a white screen for all to enjoy. The audience, both young and old, is entranced by the mesmerizing display, their eyes fixed on the flickering shadows that dance and play before them. The cigarette cards, scattered on the ground, add an intriguing layer to the story. These collectible cards, often given away with packs of cigarettes, were a popular pastime during the early 20th century. The shadow theater performer, William Henry Ellam, likely used these cards as inspiration for his toy models, creating a symbiotic relationship between the ephemeral world of shadows and the enduring collectibles. Ellam's mastery of light and shadow is evident in this photograph, which showcases the artist's ability to capture the essence of a moment and preserve it for future generations. The warm, golden light that filters through the tent, illuminating the faces of the entranced onlookers, adds a sense of nostalgia and wonder to the scene. This photograph is a testament to the power of imagination and the simple pleasures of a bygone era. The shadow show at the country fair, with its intricate toy models and captivated audience, serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of storytelling and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places.

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