Pierre Picton began his career as Pierre the Clown in 1954 and is now the last surviving clown from Bertram Mills Circus. He owned and worked with the famous Model T Ford car that spectacularly fell to pieces in the circus ring – now owned by Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason. Pierre also worked as an actor during the 1960s, doubling and driving for Dick Van Dyke in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has owned the original car from the film for 35 years and he and Chitty are still out on the road today – and possibly coming to a town near you soon. Arts Hub talks to the man who makes Chitty fly.
Hi Pierre. How did you get started as a clown? Did you come from a circus family?
Hello there, Arts Hub. To my knowledge, I did not come from a circus background. I was adopted by a successful producer as a young child and attended the Italia Conti Theatre School in London when it was situated in Archer Street, Piccadilly. I was a contemporary of Johnny Briggs (ex-Coronation Street) and Anthony Newley. But some neighbours in Notting Hill were a circus family called the Yeldings and they taught me circus skills.
What was your first job?
My first job was a comedy sketch with Johnny Briggs for the 1953 Coronation review in London. We were barely out of short trousers at the time. In 1954, I went to sell programmes at Bertram Mills Circus in London and one of the clowns didn’t turn up for a show. They asked me to fill in as straight man and I stayed. I roller-skated and did a car act to begin with and my wheels have been going round ever since.
Have you worked with some of the greats, then?
All of them. I toured the Continent extensively as a young man – my favourites were, of course, Charlie Caroli and Coco the Clown. I worked with Coco extensively on a road safety campaign in the 1970s. He was great man – I sometimes had to help translate for him because he had a thick Russian accent. In 1957, I worked at the famous Hungarian State Circus in Budapest, performing with the Peruvian Cavallini family. I also performed regularly at the Christmas circus in Paris – and, of course, at the famous Bertram Mills Circus in the UK and Marie Collins Music Hall in London, which is no longer there, which is a shame. I was very lucky in that I had a very good circus agent called Roberto Germaines, who was a great circus artist.
What can you remember of the 1960s?
Having a great time at parties, travelling and working non-stop. I did a lot of TV – such as the Billy Cotton Band Show – as well as film work. I also met The Beatles when they endorsed the “Apples are good for teeth” campaign I worked on. I have a photo of myself with John Lennon at the opening of the Apple shop in December 1967 – he was very interested in the red nose I wore and clowning in general.
What is life on the road with a circus like?
Every day is different, because you are always on the move. It is marvellous when you are young and keen to see the world. There is, of course, a lot of discipline involved in the way you do things because there are dangers to the job. But the camaraderie is an important part. You have to work hard and play hard, but everyone helps out – we all helped each other. It’s a very tough life, but the personal rewards make up for it. We all came from different places, spoke different languages, and had to get on. It was great at meal times (Pierre laughs heartily) – if you like food, the circus has its benefits. We used to go round to each other’s caravans and take it in turn to cook. I had the best of Continental cuisine while on the road and that stuck with me. I still love good food and once part-owned a London restaurant. I’ve also written an important tome on where to get the best fish and chips in the UK, which a lot of circus people helped put together as they travelled up and down the country and discovered new fish and chip shops.
Do you still work in the circus?
No. I suppose I retired from circus in the late 1960s, but still worked as Pierre the Clown on TV and at events. I also began to get film work and that’s how Chitty and I got together – I doubled for Dick Van Dyke when he played Professor Caractacus Potts. After the film, I bought her and the original number plate Gen11, which means “magical being” in Latin. We’ve been together ever since. Chitty is 40 this year – on July 27th, according to the DVLA records – so I suppose life is just beginning. It’s my birthday today as well, so it’s nice talking to Arts Hub readers while I open my cards.
What do you and Chitty get up to these days?
Chitty and I attend a lot of public functions and open-air fêtes, such as car rallies and charity events. We’ve just spent the weekend ploughing through the mud at the Banbury Steam Fair. Sometimes, people sponsor Chitty for an event and hold a competition that lets children win rides in her. We’ve opened the Harrods sale, escorted Santa to his Grotto, taken brides to church – Chitty loves a wedding – and I once took Chitty on a boat to South Africa, which she liked enormously. We sometimes do London’s New Year parade and we have also done a lot of charity work. I have always supported the SOS charity for cerebral palsy. Chitty likes to get out and meet people.
Can Chitty really fly and float on water?
Of course she can. Her wings are tucked underneath the chassis. In the film, these were made of canvas and folded in and out. Animation was used – they took lots of shots with the wings in different positions. When she was in the water, she was floating on a raft with an inflatable device between the raft and the chassis. The wheels came up on hinges and off she went, away from the clutches of Baron Bomburst.
Is there a typical day you could tell us about?
There is no such thing, I’m pleased to say. Last weekend, I was knee deep in mud – and some days I’m baking with the heat and the reflection from the brass and copper on Chitty. The only things that always remain constant are the adoration and joy in the children’s faces when they see the car. Some of the big kids – their parents – are just as enthralled. It makes it all worthwhile.
Are there any performers you admire today?
Lee Evans, the young comedian, I think is terrific and is continuing some of the traditions of clowning. I do like watching him perform. Gerry Cottle’s Circus of Horror is a step forward, but I also like the traditions kept alive by Zippo Circus and the Robert Brothers.
Have you and Chitty ever thought about retiring?
Too busy, I’m afraid. Chitty won’t let me – however much I try and put my foot down. I’ve had lots of ridiculous offers over the years for her – including one via the press office of a world-famous singer who collects childhood ephemera, which I declined.
How do you know Chitty’s a girl?
I’ve never looked, actually, now you come to mention it. I may get a surprise one day, I suppose.
For bookings and information, visit Pierre and Chitty’s website.
