Tom Thumb and Lady were performers in P.T. Barnum’s circus. Once they became engaged, the public developed a fascination for them—nicknaming them the “little couple.” Barnum used their engagement to publicize his show, parading the couple around to different nations’ leaders and placing newspaper announcements detailing their upcoming wedding ceremony. On their wedding day in New York City, over 2,000 people entered the church to watch the couple say their vows. Fellow performers Minnie Warren (the bride’s younger sister) and “Commodore Nutt” (George Washington Morrison Nutt) served as the maid of honor and best man.Photographic tintype portrait of a child.General Tom Thumb and Wife, Commodore Nutt and Miss Minnie Warren, In the indentical costumes worn before Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, June 1865.fullarton, tom thumb, theatre, commodore nutt, minnie warren, queen victoria

Taken in 1870, the photograph depicts Charles Sherwood Stratton (known professionally as General Tom Thumb), Lavinia Stratton, George Washington Morrison Nutt (known professionally as Commodore Nutt), and Huldah Pierce Warren Bump (known professionally as Minnie Warren). They are all dressed in identical costumes worn in 1864 before Emperor Louis Napoleon and Empress Eugenia in Paris. Charles, Lavinia, George and Huldah were all American performers who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, founded by Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum. They each participated in various acts including singing, dancing, miming, and celebrity impersonations, gaining international fame for their successful careers and small physical stature. The group performed in Australia in August 1870. They were joined by their touring party as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus "Round the World" tour. Beechworth hosted the circus for three evening shows and two matinees.The photograph is historically significant due to the internationally renowned status of the four individuals pictured. In a general sense, it also provides insight into the arts in Victoria during the late nineteenth century, illustrating the type of entertainment that was enjoyed by the public during this time. The record's historical significance is further enhanced by the attire worn by the individuals in the photograph, and these garments' connections to Emperor Louis Napoleon and Empress Eugenia.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 4732.1 / General Tom Thumb + wife / Colonel Nutt + Minnie Warren / (?) / Beechworth / 1870 /entertainment album, general tom thumb, lavinia warren, commodore nutt, minnie warren, circus, p.t. barnum, barnum and bailey circus, beechworth, 1800s, performance, arts