Historical information

These photographs, taken by The Advocate in 1999, show Merv Ashton of Ashton's Circus. Merv was the son of circus founders Doug and Phyllis Ashton and had been travelling and performing with the circus since the age of six.

Merv was a skilled performer and pioneer of the flying trapeze in Australia, he contributed to the development and continuation of one of the nation's longest-running entertainment traditions. His career reflects the dedication, innovation, and multi-generational involvement that helped establish the Ashton name as a significant part of Australian circus history.

Significance

Mervyn Ashton was significant as a member of the famous Ashton circus family and as a pioneering flying trapeze artist. His long career helped preserve and promote Australia's travelling circus tradition for generations.

Physical description

Collection of digitally scanned coloured negatives

Inscriptions & markings

7693.01 - Aston Circus Merv Ashton Station Road Albanvale 1999 Photographs (Advocate 247).JPG

7693.02 - Aston Circus Merv Ashton Station Road Albanvale 1999 Photographs (Advocate 247).JPG