Mr. Punch in the Arts: A Glass Paperweight Featuring Mr. Punch and Toby, 1873

Pressed Glass Paperweight
John Derbyshire & Co.
1873-1876
The Victoria & Albert Museum

From his first appearance as Pulcinello, a marionette, in Covent Garden, Mr. Punch has been Britain’s most beloved grouch and a source of inspiration for artists in every possible medium.


This green glass paperweight shows the burgeoning interest in pressed glass figures. Produced by John Derbyshire in Salford, Manchester, the paperweight dates between 1873 and 1876. We see Mr. Punch in all of his deformed beauty, seated atop a chair beneath which his faithful companion, Toby, rests comfortably.

This is one of a pair of paperweights produced by Derbyshire. The companion shows Judy, seated similarly, with her cat.

The Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum