[Juvenile ephemera: Punch and Judy, Conjuring, Ventriloquism, Shadow Pictures.] Attractive illustrated handbill advertisement for ‘One Hour of Laughter’, ‘Entertainments for Children arranged by James Portland, The Childrens’ Entertainment Expert’.

An attractive piece of juvenile ephemera, printed in black on one side of a piece of 23.5 x 36.5 cm wove paper. In good condition, folded twice. The document is excessively scarce, no other copy having been traced, and little has been learnt about the advertiser. In 1919 Punch carried an advertisement for ‘Punch and Judy, Conjuring, Ventriloquism, &c.’ from ‘James Portland, the Conjuror and Children’s Entertainer’. Four years later the ‘Model Engineer’ carried several advertisements from Portland as a supplier of ebonite. The illustration is drawn in Edwardian style, with cherubs at the top corners holding up a banner that reads ‘One Hour of Laughter / Each Entertainment Lasts one Hour’. At the foot, beneath the claim that Portland has received ‘5000 testimonials’, are his details: ‘Entertainment for Children / arranged by / James Portland, / The Childrens’ Entertainment Expert / 39, Sinclair Road, Kensington, W. 14. / (One Minute from Olympia) / Telephone - Riverside 1131’. The greater part of the page is divided into two columns, separated by a mass of children’s faces, containing eight numbered panels depicting Portman’s routines: No 1 - Conjuring; No 2. Ventriloquism. / Conjuring is also included in this programme; No 3 Royal Punch and Judy; No 4 Living marionette pantomime “Aladdin”. Played by three entertainers; No 5 Two Jolly Clowns (two entertainers); No 6 “Comic Donkey” with Clown (two entertainers); No 7 Shadow Pictures / Conjuring is also included in this programme; No 8 A varied “clown” entertainment. See Image (a scan didn't quite take in the whole poster/handbill which is complete).