[ACROBATS]. Signed Bard Brothers Photograph. Oakland, Calif. [H.d. 1909]. Full-figure portrait photograph of four Bard Brothers acrobats in their performance costumes, three standing and one seated on a stool in the center with his arms crossed. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED by Warren C. Davies, “topmounter of the 4 Bard Bros.” Image 7 ¾ x 5 ½”; studio mount 10 ¾ x 8 ½”. Light foxing to image, soiling and wear to mount.
According to Ricky Jay’s notes, Harry Houdini mentions in his diary that while traveling with the Welsh Brothers Circus he learned a somersault from the Bard Brothers which he utilized in his boomerang card trick. James Bard and Houdini remained friends long after working together in the circus in their formative years.