Print of the Day: A Punch and Judy Promotional Poster, c. 1990

Poster for an Exhibit of Punch and Judy Materials
Britain, c. 1990
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This late Twentieth-Century poster is entitled “Punch and Judy” and depicts the famously bickering puppet characters in the proscenium of a traditional fit-up which dates to circa 1900. The poster was printed in England for the Museum of London.

The Victorian booth here photographed features the traditional red and white striped cover with trimmings of green velvet. The elaborate proscenium is inscribed “Diev et Mon Droit”—the motto of the British Monarchy which means, literally, in French, “God and my right.” 

Mr. Punch is coming to the V&A...

Speaking of museum exhibits related to Punch and Judy...in addition to the monumental George Speaight Punch & Judy Archive at the V&A, the V&A's Museum of Childhood, in honor of the year-long celebration of Mr. Punch's 350th birthday, will host an exhibit called "That's the Way to Do It!"  The exhibit opens July 14 and runs through December 9, 2012 and explores the origins of Punch from his roots in the Italian Commedia dell'Arte to his role in contemporary culture.  Additionally, the V&A launching, at the same time, an exhibition of portraits of Punch & Judy Professors.  The V&A describes the exhibit as...

Punch Professors in England is an exhibition of the photographer Tom Hunter's works, featuring contemporary Punch practitioners, known since Victorian times as ‘Professors', who for generations have brought the story of Punch and Judy to life with their wit and personality. Specially commissioned for Mr Punch’s birthday celebrations, the portraits show each Professor alongside their booth, expressing the highly individual approaches each of them have to their performance within essentially English settings.

If you're in the area during the exhibit, I would highly recommend a visit.