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Martin Powell, puppet showman
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Martin Powell, puppet showman
Martin Powell (?-1729), puppet showman, often featuring a Punch character, in Bath, London and elsewhere.
1715
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23272018
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1710s 1715 Days Martin Powell Punch Puppet Puppets Showman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Martin Powell, 18th Century Puppet Showman: Bringing Punch and His Merry Companions to Life" In this evocative image from the 1710s, we find Martin Powell (circa 1680-1729), a renowned puppet showman of the early 18th century, captivating his audience with his intricate and lively puppet show. Dressed in a smart wig and holding a book, Powell exudes an air of professionalism and authority, as he skillfully maneuvers the colorful and expressive Punch puppet before him. Punch, a mischievous and irreverent character, was a popular figure in English puppet shows during this period. His antics and misadventures, often involving his wife Judy and their baby, provided endless entertainment for the crowds that gathered to witness Powell's performances. The stage, adorned with various props and scenery, is a testament to the elaborate productions that Powell and his contemporaries created to delight their audiences. The 1710s marked a significant period in the history of English puppetry, as it began to transition from a primarily itinerant and informal form of entertainment to a more established and professional one. Martin Powell was among the pioneers of this trend, traveling from town to town and setting up his puppet theater in various locations, including Bath and London. His shows were a regular feature of the social and cultural landscape of the time, providing a much-needed distraction from the daily grind and offering a glimpse into the fantastical world of Punch and his merry companions. This photograph, taken from the Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a unique glimpse into the past, transporting us back to an era when the simple pleasure of a puppet show could bring joy and laughter to people of all ages and walks of life.
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