PELHAM PUPPET BIG BAD WOLF
date..14 september 2009
sold price ....£5.10
auction site... ebay
listing details..
PELHAM PUPPET BIG BAD WOLF
1960
STRINGS TANGLED NEEDS TO BE RESTRUNG
BODY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
HIS CAPE IS FADED AND HE HAS A FEW HOLES IN HIS TROUSERS THROUGH AGE
1960
STRINGS TANGLED NEEDS TO BE RESTRUNG
BODY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
HIS CAPE IS FADED AND HE HAS A FEW HOLES IN HIS TROUSERS THROUGH AGE
Pelham Puppets were the brainchild of Robert Pelham,
making their first appearance in 1947, and remaining in production till 1993. After the war, Robert, or 'Bob' formed a company, 'Wonkey Toys', in Marlborough, Wiltshire, employing ex-service personnel to make novelty wooden toys. He must have been an enterprising and resourceful man, as he managed to source much of his material from government surplus stores and junk yards. When the company turned their attentions to puppets, these were initially made from odds and ends too.
Early puppets included Sandy McBoozle (Scotsman), Cowboy, Cowgirl, Witch, Lulabelle (hula girl), Ice-Skater and Clown. Originally the puppets had their wooden heads turned on a lathe, but after visiting a fairground in 1948, Bob secured a supply of the wooden balls used for coconut shies, and so often these were used for the heads of puppets
Pelham Puppetsby Sue Brewer ..
During the 1950s and 60s, puppets seemed particularly popular; many children's television programmes featured string puppets, and their somewhat wobbly, jerky action added to their charm. Glove puppets and ventriloquist's dummies also appeared on many shows. Today's more sophisticated audiences tend to be presented with computer-animated or stop-motion films, and the string puppet is now a poor relative.
In the puppet heyday, Muffin the Mule, Andy Pandy, Bill and Ben, Twizzle, Pinky and Perky, were kings of the small screen. And of course, there was the classic Thunderbirds programme which broke new ground at the time, quickly becoming a cult programme and which is now the most fondly remembered of all Gerry Anderson's creations. No one cared that the strings could be seen, or that character's mouths snapped open and shut like trapdoors. If a puppeteer's hand happened to come into camera shot, well, it was all part of the fun.
String puppets featured in films, too - remember Pinocchio? He was a puppet, until he realised, 'I've got no strings to tie me down, to make me smile, to make me frown.' The Sound of Music featured an enchanting puppet scene, when Julie Andrews sang the story of the 'Lonely Goatherd', complete with yodels, and in the Elvis film, GI Blues, puppets danced as he sang of the lack of a wooden heart.String puppets featured in films, too - remember Pinocchio? He was a puppet, until he realised, 'I've got no strings to tie me down, to make me smile, to make me frown.' The Sound of Music featured an enchanting puppet scene, when Julie Andrews sang the story of the 'Lonely Goatherd', complete with yodels, and in the Elvis film, GI Blues, puppets danced as he sang of the lack of a wooden heart.
Puppet theatre is probably one of the earliest forms of entertainment; the Ancient Greeks gathered to watch puppets enact stories. They appear in most cultures, and often were intended for adults, not children. They were used to act out religious laws, and took part in ceremonies, parades and celebrations. In the Middle Ages in England, travelling puppet theatres entertained the masses with plays, often with a spiritual theme. Later, puppets such as Punch and Judy, which were originally satirical characters aimed at adults, were 're-invented' to entertain children on holiday beaches. So puppets have a long pedigree.
Other places for pelham collectors..
Pelham Puppets Online is a UK based site dedicated to Pelham Puppet collectors made by the Pelham Puppet Company, Marlborough, England from 1947 to 1992.
Please note the Pelham Puppets Company no longer makes puppets since closing in early 1993.
Please note the Pelham Puppets Company no longer makes puppets since closing in early 1993.
This is the official Pelham Puppets website. All the new puppets are made with the same care, skill and in the best tradition of the Pelham Puppets Company. With a little practice children will soon be eager to star in their own shows to entertain family and friends both at home or as part of a school project.
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