Items from the Douglas Hayward Puppet Archives

Jan Bussell & Ann Hogarth founded The Hogarth Puppets in 1932. They are best known for their "Muffin the Mule" TV series with Annette Mills, although they spent many years touring marionette shows before and after this.

Both Jan and Ann were professionally involved with drama production for stage and radio before taking up puppetry full time. However, once they embarked on their puppet career, they soon became the largest and most innovative touring puppet company in the UK with a very busy schedule of tours, both at home and world-wide.

"What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor" from "Sea Shanties", a shadow puppet production by the Hogarth Puppets.

Jan Bussell was well-respected in International Puppetry Circles and was the President of UNIMA from 1969 to 1976. He also wrote many articles and books, including "Fanfare for Puppets".

After retirement, Jan and Ann continued to be heavily involved with puppetry through their touring exhibition, lecture demonstrations and writing.

"Haul Away Joe" from "Sea Shanties", a shadow puppet production by the Hogarth Puppets.

"Bluebeard & Fatima" by the Hogarth Marionettes.
 

"The Taming of the Shrew" performed by Wallace Peat's Wessex Puppets.

The Head of St Mary's Girls School, Calne, wrote in 1940:  "I do not think the girls have ever been more enthusiastic.  It was such a thoroughly jolly performance."

A Glove Puppet from Wallace Peat's Wessex Puppet Company.  You can just make out the spring-peg style hand designed to grip props.  Wallace Peat and his wife, Dodie, were highly prolific glove puppet performers in the South of England in the 1930s and 40s.  Their repertoire of plays included "The Taming of the Shrew" and "The Tempest".