Object of the Day: An Antique Mr. Punch

I don’t know too much about the provenance of this puppet. I purchased it recently. He’s quite handsome, yes? With his humpback and big red nose, he’s all Mr. Punch. I’ll let you figure out how and why he’s sitting in a large crystal punch bowl in my dining room.

His head is made of papier mache and the eye sockets are set with a glossy varnish which makes his eyes look like they’re glass. In fact, at first, I thought they were glass. Since his head is made of papier mache and since he is smaller than “regulation” Punch size, clearly, this puppet was not meant to be used in a professional show. There’s no way his head would have endured the requisite smacking that it would have taken. So, I’d say this was made for a child. He’s in very good shape, indicating that he was either very well loved and respected or not at all liked and, therefore ignored. There are no chips in his fragile head, and, the paint is still as bright as the day it was created.

His wee hands are made of leather and, around them, at the wrists, are the remains of buff-colored silk ruffs. Similar remains hang around his neck. His cap and body are constructed of blue silk adorned with red polka dots. This is the original silk. It is very fragile and is falling apart in places, but, oddly enough, it’s still brilliantly-colored. His hat is decorated with a row of milky-blue glass beads. All of them are in excellent condition. 

Now, this is just a guess, but I suspect he was made at home. This is not a professionally manufactured puppet. He seems to have been lovingly assembled and he’s so unusual looking that I’m fairly certain he was a one-off. If he wasn’t created in someone’s home, he was made by an independent toy-maker. I’d wager that he was quite expensive to create. His costume of silk and glass beads is not the typical corduroy, calico or felt of a normal puppet. Furthermore, there’s just something special about him. He’s not a typical toy. He was made in the same spirit as my professional Mr. Punch, and, I think that’s why I like him so much. Yes, he’s a little strange looking, but that make shim wonderful. I’d say he dates to the late Nineteenth Century.

And, so, he’s come all the way from England to Texas to join all the other old stuff I’ve had shipped from England to Texas. Wherever he’s from, he’s very welcome here and I can assure him that, for as long as I’m around, he’ll have a very cozy life—looking beautifully strange, and, not falling apart any further.

Happy Gotcha Day, Bertie!

Ten years ago today, a little white dog came into my house for the first time and, then, promptly took over.  And, I can't be happier that he did.  Adopting Bertie was one of the smartest things I ever did.  As far as I'm concerned, my Bertie deserves all the best that life can offer since that is what he offers me every day.

Sadly, there are thousands of dogs out there whose stories don't have such happy endings.  These dogs...and cats...and, other pets...deserve loving homes, too.  So, today, if there's room in your heart and your home to welcome a new pet, check out a local shelter or rescue organization.  There's a new lifelong friend waiting for you out there, someone who can offer you as many joyful years as Bertie has brought to me.

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: Bertie at a Well

"That thing had better be filled with whipped cream."

Image: Girls at a Well, Jules Cornilliet, 1867, The Victoria & Albert Museum.

You could have some gratuitous Bertie Dog every day.  Just pop over to our online store to check out our exclusive Bertie Dog Designs.  

Mastery of Design: The David Thomas Topaz and Garnet Pendant, 1967

Pendant/Brooch
David Thomas, 1967
The Victoria & Albert Museum

As fashions changed in the 1960s, jewelry designers played with conventional and traditional forms to make unusual pieces which were meant to be wearable art. London was a center for such designers and David Thomas (born 1938) was among the leaders of this new approach to jewelry design.

Here we see an example of Thomas’ cutting-edge work. This pendant (can also be worn as a brooch) features a raised central cluster of irregular topaz crystals. From these, individually-applied gold wires radiate--some of these are adorned with a granular decoration. These are peppered with narrow, rectangular garnets.

Unfolding Pictures: The Triumph of Alexander Fan, 1670-1700

Hand Fan
Unknown Italian Maker
1670-1700
After a painting by LeBrun
The Victoria & Albert Museum

The vellum leaf of this Italian fan is painted with watercolors and illustrates the “Triumph of Alexander,” showing when Alexander the Great entered Babylon. Made between 1670 and 1700, the scene is taken from one of a set of five paintings which the famed painter Charles Le Brun created for French King Louis XIV.

The unknown fan painter has adapted the composition of the painting to cleverly fit the shape of the fan leaf—shifting some groups from the original to new positions for better balance. The ends of the ivory sticks are adorned with silver piqué work and both the sticks and guards are set with patterns of tiny silver nails. The guards are further decorated with mother-of-pearl. The reverse of the fan leaf is painted with flowers.

The Home Beautiful: The Argy-Rousseau Poppies Vase, 1924

The Poppies Vase
Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
France, 1924
The Victoria & Albert Museum

French glassmaker Gabriel Argy-Rousseau (1885-1953) found inspiration in the work of Henry Cros. Argy-Rouuseau followed in Cros’ innovative footsteps and worked in the medium of pâte de verre (glass paste). 


After Cros, Argy-Rousseau became the most prolific and successful artist utilizing this intricate and complicated technique. By the 1920s, his designs were highly sought-after due to his delicate design sensibilities and brilliant use of color. This vase, known in Argy-Rousseau’s catalogues as “The Poppies Vase” was first introduced in 1924 and quickly became a best-seller.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 68

Chapter 68: 

Grange Molliner 

“There it is!” Punch pointed to a crenellated tower in the distance beyond a massive grove of trees.

Robert peered out of the carriage window as they approached Grange Molliner.

“Won’t be but ten more minutes before we’re there.” Mr. Punch grinned. He squeezed Colin who sat in his lap and took the baby’s little hand very gently between his left thumb and forefinger. “Look, my boy, there’s your grandfather’s house. You’re named for him. Remember?”

The child gurgled happily at the sound of Punch’s voice.

“Look!” Punch continued. “We’re getting’ closer, Chum. You can see it better now.”

“It’s beautiful!” Robert’s eyes widened as the rambling castle grew larger as they approached. “It’s tremendous.”

“Pretty big, it is.” Punch nodded gaily. “See—the part in the center there with the tall rusticated tower. That were built ‘round 1390. Some say that the land were given to the Molliners as a gift from King Robert II. What do ya think ‘o that, my Robert?”

Robert chuckled. “So, the Molliners have always had an association with the Crown?”

“To a degree.” Punch nodded. “Our mum were always tryin’ to make sure Sir Colin knew that the Fallbridges were better connected—bein’ truly titled and all. But, the fact is, while William IV were a…shall we say ‘supporter’…of the Duchess of Fallbridge, our ma weren’t so much of a favorite in Court by the time Her Majesty Victoria took the throne, and our pa were very much liked by both the Prince Consort and the Queen.”

“I had gathered that by the way Her Majesty spoke of your late mother.” Robert nodded.

“Odd to think she’s my mother, too.” Punch sighed. “Only been recently what I concluded that since she were Julian’s ma, she were mine, too. Still…we ain’t gonna worry ‘bout her now. The Duchess of Fallbridge didn’t much care for the Grange. This is a place what’s all ‘bout the Molliners like me and Colin. And, I reckon…you, too.”

“I?” Robert smiled. “I’m not a Molliner.”

“Well, maybe not. But, if we were two folk what were married, you would be. So, we might as well think of you as such.”

“I’d not thought of it that way, but I rather like the idea.” Robert answered affectionately. “So, your mother didn’t care for this estate?” Robert studied the sprawling house at the end of the long, dirt drive--with its turrets, ogival arches, lancet windows and gothic ornamentation. “I can’t imagine why. It’s very impressive.”

“I always thought so. But, no.” Punch shook his head. “She always complained that it was too cold and that it was uncomfortable. Fact is, she hated an’thin’ havin’ to do with our pa’s side of the family. Called all the Molliners’ red-haired lunatics.” Punch blushed for a moment. “Which, in a way, ain’t too far from the truth, I s’pose.”

“You’re no lunatic.” Robert shook his head.

“Others would disagree,” Punch giggled, “but, I’m glad you think so. Nevertheless, there were a few Molliners what coulda been called lunatics. But, the same could be said of the Fallbridge side of the family.”

“Did your mother ever come here?”

“Only once I recall.” Punch sighed. “She came here once with pa. I were very small. They left me with…” Punch shuddered for a moment. “Nanny Rittenhouse.”

Robert frowned at the mention of the cruel, old woman.

Mr. Punch took a deep breath. “I s’pose I should say they left Julian. That were ‘bout the time what I developed inside him. So, I remember it all pretty well, I do. The duchess were ill. Kept to her room for several weeks—this were good for Julian, in a way. And, good for me, too, I s’pose. Then, one day, our pa came into the nursery and told Julian that he were takin’ the duchess of Grange Molliner and that they’d not be back ‘til winter. That made Julian sad. But, Sir Colin reminded him that he had his puppet to keep him company. I remember that.” Punch paused thoughtfully for a moment. “I remember he said that ‘Mr. Punch will look after you’ and that ‘you needn’t fear anything as long as Punch is there to guard you with his cudgel.’ Ha…I reckon I took it very seriously, I did.”

“You certainly did.” Robert replied sweetly.

“Well, after that, when they got back, the Duchess never returned here and would not even speak of the place.” Punch shrugged. He looked out of the carriage window. “Won’t be but a minute now.”

“1390 you said?” Robert asked, staring at the house.

“That’s right. The middle part anyway. There on the east, that section were added in 1662 by Sir Hiram Molliner, and, then, on the west, that and the orangerie were added in 1746 after the battle of Falkirk.” Punch whooped excitedly. “Coo! I dunno how I remember all that.” He laughed loudly, causing the child to look up at his father with clear amusement. “I just recall Sir Colin sayin’ it to Julian, I s’pose.”

“It’s nonetheless impressive.” Robert winked. He pointed out the window. “Looks as if we’re to be greeted.”

“Ah,” Punch nodded. “That’ll be Mrs. North waitin’ there in the black gown. She’s the housekeeper. Has been since our pa were a young man. Next to her with the ginger beard, I’m guessin’ is Johnny Donnan. He’s the groundsman. Them other few are maids and pages and such. I reckon the man on the end—in the handsome livery--is Finlay. He’s Johnny’s son and serves as footman. It’s a lean staff since no one lives here. But, I think Charles and Gerry will get on well with Finlay and I’m sure Gamilla will find friends amongst the other maids—least for the time we’re here. I fear Speaight and Mrs. North might have a bit of a tussle for power. I dunno the situation with the cook here, but I got no doubt that our Mrs. Pepper will dominate her within the first five minutes.”

“I’m sure of that.” Robert nodded. He looked up at Punch and gazed for a moment.

“What is it?” Punch smiled.

“Just seeing you sitting there with Colin on your lap and Dog Toby next to you…”

Punch nodded.

“Just a few days ago, I thought that…”

“I know.” Punch sighed.

“And, yet, here you are…bright-eyed with our son…about to introduce me to part of your family history…”

“Our family history…” Punch corrected him.

Robert inhaled deeply. “I’m very proud. I’m the proudest man in Scotland today.”

“Nah…” Punch winked. “Can’t be.”

“Why is this?”

“Because I already am.” Punch laughed.



Did you miss Chapters 1-67? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 69 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.