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Punch & Judy
Posted by Gillian Jones on 28/04/2015
Now the summer is here and especially if you live in a seaside town, a Punch & Judy show may be something you see on your way to the beach, or before you take stroll on the promenade. You may think nothing of it and you’re more than likely to see a lot of that as the summer fast approaches.
It is as much a part of seaside entertainment as anything else you’d find at the beach, some hate it, some love it. However, what we do know is that Punch & Judy has been around for a long time and has a fascinating history.
Mr Punch and Pulcinella
Mr Punch himself has a European ancestry having descended from Pulcinella, an Italian clown who was around during the 15th century and performed as part of a troupe in the medieval tradition. Mr Punch became popular in London and went by the name of Punchinello before changing to the shorter version, and one we most recognise today - Mr Punch.
Slapstick and a new wife
Mr Punch as a wooden puppet was an instrument of communication, a tool to deliver soundbites on politics and serve as a conduit for adult morality. By the beginning of the 19th century he was now a hand puppet and travelled the country in what become known as Puppet Booths, appearing with new characters including his wife Judy. Together they used traditional slapstick comedy as part of their increasingly colourful, vibrant and active performances.
It was at the seaside that Punch & Judy entertained the working classes, as holidays, become more popular during the course of the 19th century. Now over 300 years later, Punch & Judy is as popular as ever.
Punch & Judy Memorabilia & collectibles
Today Punch & Judy memorabilia is still popular and naturally the older it is, the more interesting and more collectible it is. It’s worth will largely depend on its condition, and its popularity at the time. If something is popular, there’s always going to be an audience for it and a buyer, as there’s more value to the person who wants it. The question is – if you own Punch & Judy memorabilia – do you really want to part with it?
This legendary puppet phenomenon doesn’t necessarily have to come in its usual puppet guise either, collectibles can come in the form of clocks, jewellery, book illustrations, and models of the actual puppet booths themselves. On www.antiques.co.uk there is the most exquisite Victorian Punch & Judy magic lantern pictures that have been hand painted – a magical reminder of the Victorian puppet show that is still so much a part of our culture.
If you feel that Punch & Judy is for you then look far and wide and take your time – also, make sure you take a regular look on www.antiques.co.uk because items are added daily, so it pays to check. You can also buy from anywhere in the country, so your search can be as wide as you’d like it to be, rather than limiting yourself to local antique dealers only. Just enjoy your search and your collecting - and take your time – for that’s the way to do it.