Page 13 - Oundle Life October 2023

himself as one of Europe’s most famous clowns. It was while in Germany that he came to the
attention of circus owner Bertram Mills, who brought him to England in 1929. Polyakov as Coco was an instant success and spent the next 37 years of his career working for Mill’s circus, during which time he and his family settled in England and became naturalised British citizens.
In 1939, Polyakov had another world war
to fight, this time on the side of the Allies. He joined the Pioneer Corps but was released from duty in 1941 after suffering with arthritis and
a damaged lung. He continued to serve in the Entertainment National Service Association, entertaining Allied troops.
In 1946 Polyakov went back to working for Bertram Mills and would do so until he retired in 1967. He spent much of his spare time visiting hospitals and entertaining sick children, as well as educating them on road safety – a campaign which led to him receiving an OBE
from Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1974 Polyakov came out of retirement to
perform with the Robert Brothers Circus but fell ill with emphysema and bronchitis, and died on September 25th, aged 73.
By that time, Polyakov and his family had settled in the pretty village of Woodnewton, just five miles outside Oundle. He lies at peace in the beautiful little cemetery in the centre of the village after such a long and eventful life, during which time he became the most famous clown in the world, and the role model for every clown ever since.
Stuart Barker is a professional writer and author. He has a keen interest in local history and likes nothing better than riding round Northants visiting historical sites on his motorcycle.
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