The Art of Play: Mr. Punch's Gallows, c. 1900

Gallows
The Victoria and Albert Museum

Anyone familiar with the traditional Punch & Judy shows knows that among Punchinello's many tribulations is a battle with Jack Ketch, the hangman wherein our hero pleads, "Please don't hang me."  Well, the puppet character of Jack Ketch does not hang Mr. Punch; instead, he is hanged by Punch upon his own gallows.

And, here's such a gallows.

This is a property for a Punch and Judy show which was owned, and presumably operated by Will Judge (1882-1960), who was, as I've written before, billed variously as "the Norfolk Comedian" and a "Refined Comedian and Patterer."  Again, this is curious as Judge was famed for his Panto Dame roles, but is not ever recorded as being a Punch and Judy man.  Oddly enough, he had a fully formed set of Punch & Judy puppets and props which were donated to the V&A by Judge's son.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Mr. Punch by Hal Kent, c. 1910

Punch by Hal Kent
This and all related images from the Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A has recently added a wealth of antique puppets to their collection.  Among them is this handsome, wild-eyed, one-footed Mr. Punch which was carved by Hal Kent in the early Twentieth Century.  Kent carved this puppet along with all of the traditional Punch and Judy figures, as well as a set of Guignol figures around the same time.  

The head, hands and legs are crafted of carved and painted wood. Applied hair of synthetic fur crowns his head, beneath his cap. He wears an amaranth vest with an orange border, both in synthetic fabric as well as a beige collar and an orange and red hat, as befits any Punchinello.

Mastery of Design: A French Cravat Pin, c. 1900

Cravat Pin
The British Museum

Since we've been looking at the Hull-Grundy gift to The British Museum, let's continue with this attractive gold cravat pin.  The pin features a medallion struck in gold with a profile of the goddess Diana sporting her usual attributes of a crescent, and a bow and arrow.  Originally, her collar was set with three diamonds, but one is now missing.  The medallist's and sculptor's monograms, a warranty mark and maker's mark are stamped into the medallion.

The portrait medallion was designed by Louis Armand Rault, circa 1900.

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: Knock-Knock Joke

"I'll wait." 

Image:  A Woman at Her Toilet, Jan Steen (Leiden 1626-Leiden 1679), Creation Date: Signed and dated 1663, Materials: Oil on panel, Acquirer: George IV, King of the United Kingdom (1762-1830) in 1821.  Crown Copyright.  The Royal Collection.  Image courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To learn more about this Dutch masterpiece, visit the Royal Collection.

You know you want to have a Bertie Dog mug, tee-shirt, tote bag or water bottle. You know you do. So, take a look at our online store. 

Her Majesty's Furniture: The Thomas Hopper Wardrobe, 1820-30

Wardrobe
Thomas Hopper, 1820-30
From Gosford Castle
The Victoria & Albert Museum

While this wardrobe appears rather unusual, the interior is quite typical for what it is. Made between 1820 and 1830, this is the work of Thomas Hopper (1776-1856) who first trained as a surveyor. Hopper’s first major commission was the Gothic Conservatory which he added to Carlton House, London in 1807, for the Prince Regent, later King George IV.

Hopper established himself as a designer of grand country houses, working in various styles. The most admired of his designs, however, were his Norman-style castles of Gosford and Penryhn, for which he also designed the copious amounts of furniture which were required. Among them, was this handsome wardrobe.

This wardrobe was probably made for Gosford Castle, since it does not resemble any of the Penrhyn furniture. The contents of Gosford were all sold off in the 1920s, allowing this piece to be liberated to the V&A.

The front of the wardrobe is marked by concentric rounded arches which are decorated with variations on zig-zag carving and roll moldings. These are supported by columns with incised decoration. Animal figures grace the spandrels and figurative decoration appears underneath the main arch which is also surmounted by an overhanging cornice and deep pediment.

Bertie's Pet-itations: The Thinker

Here's Bertie's weekly opportunity to share his ideas for creating our new "Beautiful Age."  Bertie's advice, I'm sure, can be applied to many different areas of our lives.

And, so, I happily hand the computer over to him.


Bertie says:

Every so often, I like to just stop and think.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 385

Chapter 385
First



"You look tired, Chum."  Punch leaned over the table and patted Robert's hand.

"Perhaps,"  Robert smiled thoughtfully, "though I am enjoying watching Gamilla and Gerard."

"They are so sweet.  Aren't they?"  Punch smiled.

"Still, I'm a little envious of Colin having gone up to bed."  Robert nodded, stifling a yawn.

"It has been a long day, it has."  Punch replied.  "Full of lots of feelings from the worst to the best."

"Indeed."  Robert sighed.  

"Gamilla and Gerard'll will have to be leavin' for their weddin' trip in about an hour."  Punch glanced at the tallcase clock across the room.  Then, we'll retire."

"I'm not in a particular hurry to see them leave.  Isn't that selfish>  It's not that I can't dress myself, and I'm sure Ethel can keep the nursery very well on her own for awhile, but..."

"It's not selfish."  Punch answered.  "It's nice, it is.  They're part o' the family, and, it's only right we'll miss 'em while they're gone."

"I imagine we won't have too much time to miss them, I suppose.  After all, we've a trip of our own to plan."

"Yes."  Punch sighed.  "You'll have to help me tomorrow to write to Jackson.  Just to make sure I don't leave out anythin' we might need."

"Dear Punch,"  Robert began.

"It's all right, Chum.  I'm fine with the decision, really, I am.  I wouldn't 'ave suggested it if I didn't think it was a good idea."  Punch shook his head.

"We both know that you decided to take us all to Fallbridge Hall for Lennie's sake."  Robert whispered.  "To not only give her a primer in her family history, but more so to stall for time before Matthew presses her again to set a date for their wedding."

"The poor dear is 'appy with life as it is.  I know she wants to marry Matthew, but I understand she ain't in a hurry."

"Still, you're going to have much on your mind while we're there.  I think it very kind of you to sacrifice that for your sister."  Robert replied.

"There's no use hidin' from it.  I can't stay away from the place forever.  Besides, Colin needs to know his family home, too.  He's already been to Grange Molliner, we owe it to our son to see 'im introduced to Fallbridge Hall.  Besides, if you don't know the place, it is peaceful and it'll give you plenty o' time to think 'bout your book--a book, I might add, what'll 'elp a lot of folk."

"That doesn't take away my worry."  Robert inhaled.

"Now, my dear, is not the night for worry.  This is the night for celebratin' Gerard and Gamilla."

"Do you ever put yourself first?"

"All the time, Chum.  I'm doin' it right now."  



Did you miss Chapters 1-384?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 386 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.