King Charles II; Plaster & fabric, made in England by Mary Bligh-Bond, ca. 1940

Hand-puppet representing a caricature of King Charles II. The head and hands are of painted plaster. The puppet wears a long, black, curly wig, and a velvet suit with lace ruff, cuffs and hem. A rose is attached to its right hand.

Given by the artist

Given the museum by Mary Bligh Bond as part of a collection of puppets (see museum nos. E.645 to E.654-1949). E.648-1949 and E.654-1949 were winners of the Davidson Award for puppetry in 1946-47.

In a letter dated July 14th 1948, the donor stated that 'the reason behind their creation was the advancement of the standard of this form of art in England, I would like to present the puppets themselves to the museum if they would be acceptable, so that others with a like ambition may be led to a like fountain of inspiration.'

This puppet was created solely for exhibition, dressed with textiles purchased from either 'Liberty or Story'. In 1948, the maker wrote: 'it may be interesting to the Museum to know that I made the 'Charles' puppet from studying the miniatures and prints of that monarch in the Museum. The Pelle bust [see museum no. 239-1881] was in storage at the time, but I had a very vivid memory of it which helped the creation very considerably!'

E.654-1949