The National Puppetry Archive
Puppetry in Great Britain has a rich and diverse history. From the Victorian marionette showmen with their elaborate travelling theatres and trick marionettes to the Punch and Judy professors in their booths on the sea front, each have played their own part in not just our puppet history, but our social history as well.
Items relating to puppets and puppet theatre are varied and reside in public and private collections throughout the UK and abroad. The National Puppetry Archive consists of two main collections: the archive of The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild and the personal collection of its Archivist, Michael Dixon together they form the largest collection and archive related to British puppet history in the world.
It is important to remember that archives should not stand still. What is happening today is history tomorrow and it is essential that our archive represents current trends in puppet theatre as comprehensively as it does those of 100 years ago. by doing so we can ensure that the period of puppet history we are in now is documented for all future generations.
On this site you will see examples from those collections and exhibitions that have been staged. If you wish to get in touch with questions or enquiries about an exhibition please visit our Contact Page, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For more information on The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, as well as details of how to become a member, please go to www.britishpuppetguild.com
Michael Dixon
Hon. Archivist
The British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild
