Heritage Crafts

Puppet making

The making of puppets, movable models of people/animals usually moved by strings controlled from above or by a hand inside, and usually for use in puppet theatre.
CURRENTLY VIABLE
Status
Currently viable
Craft category
Other

History

Puppet making must be viewed in the context of puppet theatre, as the two are dependent on each other. Puppets are increasingly used in all types of entertainment, so it seems highly probable that the craft of puppet making is also growing.

Techniques

n/a

Local forms

n/a

Sub-crafts

n/a

Issues affecting the viability

There are very few people who actually train to make puppets. The poorer work tends to come from makers who are not puppeteers because they are less likely to take into account the issues of performance, such as the effects of weight and other implications that relate only to performance.

Support organisations

Training organisations

n/a

Craftspeople currently known

  • Caroline Astell-Burt
  • Chris Wylie
  • John Roberts
  • Lyndie Wright
  • Stephen Mottram
  • Toby Olie

There is a list of puppet makers on the Puppeteers UK website.

Other information

n/a

References

n/a

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Swire Charitable Trust
The Royal Mint
Pilgrim Trust
Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation
William Grant Foundation

Craft inspiration direct to your inbox

Become a Heritage Crafts Fan and receive a free monthly newsletter about craft announcements, events and opportunities.

Subscribe