Amusements Gallery

Circus Maximus in Rome by Matania

Proposed reconstruction of the Circus Maximus in Rome - the Circus at its zenith. A fight with wild beasts in the long arena of the Circus Maximus - a mounted archer meets an oncoming lion. By the fourth century, no less than 480, 000 people could witness the displays of wild beasts in the arena or one of the chariot races with quadrigas. The last official assembly for the games with the circus walls took place under Totila the Ostrogoth in 549. Date: 1925

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Fun on the Ocean Wave - Deck and below-deck sports

Amusements on board a Union Castle ocean liner to South Africa, here illustrated with pictures of people in the gym, playing deck tennis, boxing, taking part in a tape cutting race, weighing in for the ladies' Derby race, water polo and betting at the tote. Date: 1929

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

1929, Aboard, Amusement, Amusements, Betting, Board, Boat, Boats, Boxing, Castle, Cutting, Deck, Entertainment, Gym, Liner, Liners, Ocean, Oct15, Passengers, Polo, Race, Ship, Ships, Sport, Sports, Tape, Tennis, Tote, Union, Water

Delights of the Riviera - the Season at Cannes, 1926

Series of sketch vignettes by ILN special artist Bryan de Grineau visualising for readers the leisurely pursuits of smart society holidaying on the French Riviera at Cannes in the spring of 1926. Scenes include the locals high up in the citadel, gossiping in the midday sun, would-be golfers hoping to gain access to the clubs at Mougin or Mandalieu, where there is also polo. Main picture shows ladies playing miniature golf during the 'l'heure d'aperitif' at Les Galeries Fleurie. Bottom images show how difficult it is to gain access to the Casino, but how nobody seems to care when you leave! Date: 1926

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans