Friday, June 7, 2013

The Art of Play: The Arthur William Ford Punch, 1937



Mr. Punch Figure
Made in 1937 by Arthur Quisto
Used by Arthur William Ford
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum


This puppet figure of Mr. Punch is one of a set which was used by Punchman Arthur William Ford (1901-1974) who was known professionally as “Professor Gordon Bavister.” The figures were purchased by Ford in 1937 and were made by the master puppet-maker Arthur Quisto (1882-1960).


The glove puppet features a hand-painted and carved wooden face with inset blue glass eyes. He wears Punch’s traditional conical hat, tunic and breeches, however, he has been outfitted in a ruddy orange as opposed to the usual bright red.







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