Set of Puppet Heads
1922-1924 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
These toys were made early in David Jones’ career, during the period he spent at the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic, a group of Catholic craftsmen, in Ditchlin, Sussex. The toys are probably the result of Jones’ lessons in woodwork by fellow Guild member, George Maxwell, coach builder and carpenter.
These four puppets are particularly interesting because we know that they were probably based on Eric Gill’s children, Elizabeth, Petra ( who was at one time engaged to Jones), Joanna, and his adopted son, Gordian,. There were many other children living within the Guild who may have enjoyed these toys.
David Jones was best known as a wood-engraver, painter and writer. He is also remembered for his skills in lettering. He met Eric Gill (1882- 1940) in 1921 and was impressed by the work of the Guild which Gill had founded that year. The two artists became close friends and David Jones worked within the Guild for about four years.
These four puppets are particularly interesting because we know that they were probably based on Eric Gill’s children, Elizabeth, Petra ( who was at one time engaged to Jones), Joanna, and his adopted son, Gordian,. There were many other children living within the Guild who may have enjoyed these toys.
David Jones was best known as a wood-engraver, painter and writer. He is also remembered for his skills in lettering. He met Eric Gill (1882- 1940) in 1921 and was impressed by the work of the Guild which Gill had founded that year. The two artists became close friends and David Jones worked within the Guild for about four years.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 5 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Carved and painted wood |
| Brief description | Four carved wooden puppet heads of four children (three girls, one boy) and an accompanying stand made in England by David Jones in the 1920s |
| Physical description | Four carved wooden puppet heads of three girls and one boy plus a wooden stand. Puppets consist of two sections, the head and shoulder piece and a wooden stake which acts like a handle. The faces are shallowly carved and have hand-painted features and hair. The handle of one puppet (MISC.95:3-1983) has been decorated with red, gold and black paint. On two puppets (MISC.95:1-1983 and MISC.95:3-1983) there are three eyelets through the bottom front and back by which to attach fabric. MISC.95:1-1983 (Boy Puppet head) blue, white and black eyes, and hair painted yellow with black lines. There are three holes in the front and back shoulder plates. The stick is darkened to a rosy tan. MISC.95:2-1983 (Girl Puppet head) brown hair and eyes. Above shoulder length hair. MISC.95:3-1983 (Girl Puppet head) brown hair and eyes. Bobbed hair stops at nape of the neck. MISC.95:4-1983 (Girl Puppet head) blonde coloured hair and eyes. Shoulder length hair. MISC.95-1983 (Puppet stand) comprises of four pieces of wood to form of an ionic shaped plinth. The top cross bar has six holes in which the puppet handles slide through and the puppet heads rest upon. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Unique |
| Object history | Purchased from Anthony d'Offay. Items from Hague Estate. |
| Production | Made by David Jones (1895-1974) for the children of Eric Gill and probably representing these children (three daughters, Elizabeth, Petra and Joanna, and his adopted son, Gordian). |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | These toys were made early in David Jones’ career, during the period he spent at the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic, a group of Catholic craftsmen, in Ditchlin, Sussex. The toys are probably the result of Jones’ lessons in woodwork by fellow Guild member, George Maxwell, coach builder and carpenter. These four puppets are particularly interesting because we know that they were probably based on Eric Gill’s children, Elizabeth, Petra ( who was at one time engaged to Jones), Joanna, and his adopted son, Gordian,. There were many other children living within the Guild who may have enjoyed these toys. David Jones was best known as a wood-engraver, painter and writer. He is also remembered for his skills in lettering. He met Eric Gill (1882- 1940) in 1921 and was impressed by the work of the Guild which Gill had founded that year. The two artists became close friends and David Jones worked within the Guild for about four years. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | MISC.95&1 to 4-1983 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | July 1, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
