"Punch & Judy Show"

Manufactured

Length: 19cm
Width: 18cm

The earliest written evidence for a Punch and Judy show comes from a diary written by Samuel Pepys in 1662. The original Italian character was called Pulcinella but he quickly became known in England as Punch. Today, with his wicked grin and beaky nose, Mr. Punch is famous throughout the world. The earliest Punch and Judys were string rather than glove puppets. The change to the glove meant that the puppets could now hold things enabling Mr. Punch to use his slapstick to beat Judy, the baby, the policeman, the crocodile, Joey the clown and all the other unfortunate characters!

Quinn Toy Collection, Fermanagh County Museum

FCM_1990_078