Puppet makers Brian and Alison Davey of The Puppetree Company are part way through an interesting commission to recreate Punch figures with that authentic Cruikshank look. Brian says "the client contacted me in 2006 and placed an order for a set of P&J puppets from our “Lightweight” range. He explained his intention to use his puppets in conjunction with teaching English Language in foreign countries and he has since visited Portugal and Spain in this capacity. Early in 2007 he spoke to me again about a new project resulting from his research into the history of P&J. He was intrigued by the puppets illustrated by George Cruikshank in Payne Collier’s renowned book “The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Punch and Judy”. His wish was to show the essence of the old street show in all its glory, crudity, vulgarity and bawdiness. He therefore decided to place a commission with us to make a set of ‘Cruishank’ style puppets.
I have always thought that Cruikshank’s illustrations of *Piccini’s show, (*as we are told) appear to be of actual puppets as opposed to dolls or tiny people that are, sadly, all too often shown on early drawings and paintings; on top of which, Punch is frequently depicted on the wrong side!
I accepted the commission with a little trepidation because the figures had to be carved, painted and finished in such a way so as to appear authentic. Alison also had to research various resources for trimmings etc. that would look right for the costume. Finally Old Mr. P was completed and as I looked at him laying on the work-table I was suddenly struck by his apparent age. Although he was brand new, freshly painted with a clean, crisp costume he looked to me like Cruikshank’s drawing brought to life!
And I found it very hard to part with him!"
Brian and Alison have now also finished Judy and the Baby and are currentlyy working on Pretty Polly, the Constable, and a bestial looking Devil. Watch this space for more pictures in due course!
Punchlines (Comments)
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March 05, 2008 profreshwater wrote:
Brilliant! He looks like he jumped right out of Cruikshank's pen!
When I was just starting out with Punch, in ignorant American fashion I thought that Collier/Cruikshank's concoction was THE traditional show. So I created my Punch ( http://www.freshwaterpearls... ) based on the Cruikshank version (though not nearly as accurately as the Daveys' rendition.) A visit to England set me straight about how to do a proper Punch show, but by then I was quite fond of my boy's Cruikshank style. I never made another Punch and never regretted it. (Except for that time when Judy poked out Punch's eye with her nose...)
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