Artwork
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 is a photographic photography by Sport & General Press Agency Ltd. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Fourteen-year-old Molly Sheldrake opened the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild’s 13th show.
This black-and-white photo marks a big day in 1938 London. Fourteen-year-old Molly Sheldrake opened the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild’s 13th show. Almost 250 puppets and 25 troupes drew huge crowds for seven days straight.
It wasn’t just puppets on stage. Newsreel cameras filmed marionette scenes all morning. Papers ran the story except one daily.
See more puppets and photos at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This 1938 black-and-white photograph captures the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild at Victory House, Leicester Square, London, highlighting a notable moment in the event.
Subject & Meaning
The image features 14-year-old Molly Sheldrake, Britain's youngest Punch and Judy performer at the time, holding the titular puppets, alongside other puppets from Amiens, reflecting the revived Picard rod and string puppet tradition.
Technique & Style
The photograph's composition and use of available lighting effectively document the scene, though specific technical details about the photographer's approach are not provided.
History & Provenance
Taken on October 24, 1938, the photo was part of extensive media coverage, including British Movietone News filming and national press articles (except the Daily Mirror), now archived at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
The exhibition, running from October 24 to 30, 1938, showcased nearly 250 puppets and 70 demonstrations by 25 troupes, attracting large crowds despite inclement weather on some days.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sport & General Press Agency Ltd
This black-and-white press photo from 1938 shows puppeteers at the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild’s big London show.
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
The audience at Professor Richard Codman lll's Punch and Judy booth, Liverpool, ca.1940
Photograph of Molly Sheldrake, taken to advertise the opening of the 13th Exhibition of the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, 1938
George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection
Professor Richard Codman lll's Punch & Judy booth
George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection
