Masterpiece of the Week: The Codman Judy, 1860

Judy Puppet
Circa 1860
The Museum of Liverpool

She may not be as old as Mr. Punch, and she may not have always been called “Judy” (she began in Britain as a character named “Joan”), but Judy is as much a part of the history of world culture as her illustrious husband.


This long-suffering, wooden-headed lady, can’t be considered the world’s best mother. She did marry Mr. Punch, after all, and leaves her baby in the care of her irresponsible mate, but she’s fiercely protective of her offspring and becomes quite enraged when her child is made into sausage—as one does.

This lovely puppet is one of the original pieces from the Codman Family. Codman’s is a family-operated theatre which has been a part of Liverpool, England culture since the 1860’s.

Still in excellent condition, this Judy is no worse for wear after thousands of beatings. With her pinched face and slight snarl, she’s still a formidable force after over a century.

Friday Fun: The Famous Codman Punch and Judy

Click image to enlarge.

The Codman family began its centuries with Mr. Punch at the seaside of Llandudno in 1850 when Richard Codman I began performing his celebrated puppet show. His son, Richard II took over the show in 1888. Richard II’s son, Bert, took up the family business until his death in 1969, two days after the passing of his beloved terrier, Dog Toby. In 1961, Jack Codman began performing in the family’s spot on the sea. Jack’s daughter, Jacqueline, took over for her father and now performs as a bottler for her son, Jason, who has ascended as the newest Codman “Professor.” Enjoy this clip from one of Jason Codman’s recent Llandudno shows.

Print of the Day: Punch and Judy at the Seaside, 1886

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Punch and Judy at the Seaside, Llandudno
R. Barnes for the "Graphic"
Britain, 1886
The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild Collection at
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This 1886 print by R. Barned depicts a seaside crowd watching a Punch & Judy show. By the Nineteenth Century, Mr. Punch and friends were one of the most popular forms of seaside entertainment. This print is housed in the V&A’s British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild Collection and was originally published in the “Graphic Magazine,” on September 10, 1886.The show seen here takes place at Llandudno and the “Professor” depicted is Richard Codman.

Richard Codman began performing his famous Punch & Judy Show in 1850 and quickly became a main attraction at the seafront at Llandudno. Richard was the first “Professor” in the celebrated Codman Family, passing the tradition on to his son. Now, the sixth generation of Codmans is still performing regularly in the same spot in Llandudno.

Check back later for a “Friday Fun” video of the current generation of the Codman family performing with Mr. Punch and his puppet kin.