Artwork
Photograph of Molly Sheldrake, taken to advertise the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938
Photograph of Molly Sheldrake, taken to advertise the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938 is a photographic photography by Keystone Press Agency Ltd.. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A 1938 press photograph featuring Molly Sheldrake, a 14-year-old Punch and Judy puppeteer, was used to promote an exhibition in London.
About this work
This photo was taken in 1938 to advertise a big puppet show in London.
This photo was taken in 1938 to advertise a big puppet show in London. It shows Molly Sheldrake, a 14-year-old Punch and Judy puppeteer. The event ran for a week and drew huge crowds.
Molly was billed as Britain’s youngest Punch and Judy performer. Almost 250 puppets appeared, and 25 troupes put on about 70 shows. Newspapers all over covered the exhibition.
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Overview
A 1938 press photograph featuring Molly Sheldrake, a 14-year-old Punch and Judy puppeteer, was used to promote an exhibition in London.
Subject & Meaning
Molly Sheldrake, billed as Britain's youngest Punch and Judy performer, is depicted in the photograph, which highlights her talent and youth.
History & Provenance
The photograph advertised the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, held at Victory House, Leicester Square, from October 24 to 30, 1938.
Context
The exhibition featured nearly 250 puppets and around 70 demonstrations by 25 troupes, generating significant press coverage, with most national newspapers publishing stories and photographs.
Artist & collection
Artist
Most of these photos feel like candids from a family album, except they’re not. They’re shot by a news outfit you’d never expect to care about puppets—Keystone Press Agency—who just happened to be there when the British…
