Doors get set to close on library puppet collection
AN exhibition in the Mitchell Library which celebrates puppets in all their forms closes today.
The exhibits were collected by world leading puppet master John Blundall over the course of half a century.
Mr Blundall, who was born in Birmingham, moved to the West End and in the early 1990s set up a collection in the Mitchell which he called The World Through Wooden Eyes.
He died in 2014 and it is understood the new owner of the exhibition has decided not to keep all the puppets.
Theatre using puppets and masks are one of the oldest forms of creative expression with evidence they were used in China and India 2500 years ago.
The collection represented most cultures of the world and contained a range of specialist tools for the creation of puppets, masks, scenery and decorative woodwork.
As well as antique and modern puppets and masks it also featured original research, material about Punch and Judy dating to the 19th century and books about the history and development of all aspects of puppet theatre.
It has been displayed in numerous art galleries, theatres, museums and other venues across the UK.
Mr Blundall, 77, was one of the world’s top puppet masters as well as a director, designer and craftsman who created more than 50 major puppet production and collaborted with national theatre, opera and ballet companies.
His most famous character was chauffeur Parker who featured in the hugely popular Thunderbirds children’s series.
Eduard Bersudsky and Tatyana Jakovskaya of the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in the Trongate worked with Mr Blundall.
They said when he died: “John was an amazingly knowledgeable person with deep understanding of different cultures and astonishing range of skills.
“At the same time he remained that inquisitive kid who just got tired and annoyed with boring adults around.”
City auctioneer Lyon and Turnbull is organising a sale in the coming weeks.