A fabulous and very rare figure figure depicting Judy (Mrs Punch) with the Babe.
Punch and Judy puppet shows have been a staple of English public entertainment since the 1660s. The iconic performance consists of a single puppeteer (the 'Professor' or 'Punchman') in a booth, and, sometimes, the 'Bottler' who stood outside to announce the show and pass a bottle for money from delighted patrons.
In addition to Mr Punch and Judy, other regular characters to appear in these anarchic, slapstick shows include the Constable (Policeman Jack), the Crocodile, and the Doctor. Historically, other characters less comfortable for a modern audience of children included the Hangman (Jack Ketch), the Devil, and Jim Crow (The Black Man).
Punch and Judy shows were hugely popular during the Victorian period and the Staffordshire potters produced several figural representations of the two main characters (and even figures depicting booths and child spectators). Most are very rare and they are highly desirable.
This figure pairs with a figure of Mr Punch.
The figure is in excellent original condition with no loss. There is a small, old chip to the side of the figure above the base which is not visible when displayed, and some very small flakes to the orange and black enamels.
Reference: A & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 280, fig. 1021
Height: 8.5”
Date: c. 1840s
A fabulous and very rare figure figure depicting Judy (Mrs Punch) with the Babe.
Punch and Judy puppet shows have been a staple of English public entertainment since the 1660s. The iconic performance consists of a single puppeteer (the 'Professor' or 'Punchman') in a booth, and, sometimes, the 'Bottler' who stood outside to announce the show and pass a bottle for money from delighted patrons.
In addition to Mr Punch and Judy, other regular characters to appear in these anarchic, slapstick shows include the Constable (Policeman Jack), the Crocodile, and the Doctor. Historically, other characters less comfortable for a modern audience of children included the Hangman (Jack Ketch), the Devil, and Jim Crow (The Black Man).
Punch and Judy shows were hugely popular during the Victorian period and the Staffordshire potters produced several figural representations of the two main characters (and even figures depicting booths and child spectators). Most are very rare and they are highly desirable.
This figure pairs with a figure of Mr Punch.
The figure is in excellent original condition with no loss. There is a small, old chip to the side of the figure above the base which is not visible when displayed, and some very small flakes to the orange and black enamels.
Reference: A & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 280, fig. 1021
Height: 8.5”
Date: c. 1840s
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