Gustav Grais was born Gustav Eichler in Marienburg, West Prussia on 1 December, 1860, the son of Carl and Louise Eichler. In England, he changed his name to Grais and ran a circus of baboons and zebra. He was also an accomplished trapeze artist, juggler and an all-round showman. A pioneer of the parachute, he undertook daredevil jumps from gas filled balloons all over the world.
This image shows Grais riding along Brixton High Street. Brixton has always been home to maverick characters. Now it has a gin that’s just as bold.
Image source: http://www.urban75.org