Artwork
The audience at Professor Richard Codman lll's Punch and Judy booth, Liverpool, ca.1940
The audience at Professor Richard Codman lll's Punch and Judy booth, Liverpool, ca.1940 is a photographic photography by Waldo S. Lanchester. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph captures an audience watching a Punch and Judy show outside Lime Street Station in Liverpool.
About this work
The Codman family had a long history with Punch and Judy, starting with Richard Codman l in 1868.
This photograph shows an audience watching a Punch and Judy booth. It was taken by Waldo S. Lanchester.
The audience is mostly children dressed in summer clothes. They are watching Professor Richard Codman lll's booth outside Lime Street Station in Liverpool. The Codman family had a long history with Punch and Judy, starting with Richard Codman l in 1868.
To learn more about the artist behind this photograph, look up the artist: Lanchester, Waldo S.
Overview
This photograph captures an audience watching a Punch and Judy show outside Lime Street Station in Liverpool. The image was taken by Waldo S. Lanchester, a prominent figure in British puppetry.
Subject & Meaning
The audience, mostly children in summer attire, is engrossed in Professor Richard Codman III's performance. The Codman family's long history with Punch and Judy, spanning over seven decades, is evident in their continued presence at the venue.
History & Provenance
The Codman family's Punch and Judy tradition began in 1868 with Richard Codman I and continued through generations, with Richard Codman III operating the booth in Liverpool. Waldo S. Lanchester, the photographer, was active between 1936 and 1949, suggesting the image was taken during this period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Waldo Lanchester spent his life behind the scenes at puppet shows, setting up the wooden booths and painted backdrops that made kids gasp.
Professor Richard Codman lll's Punch & Judy booth
Photograph of puppeteers at the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938
Photograph of puppeteers at the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938
Photograph of members of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938