That's the way to do it! Punch and Judy exhibition comes to Wolverhampton

Bantock House has put on a nostalgic display of Punch and Judy memorabilia - sure to bring back memories for both young and old.

The Wolverhampton exhibition, which runs until the end of March, looks at the many items Punch and Judy have appeared on over the last 100 years - and curator Michael Dixon is certain many visitors will remember a few themselves.

First documented in London in 1662 by Samuel Pepys Mr Punch has been part of the fabric of British life since Victorian times.

The traditional show eventually moved from the cities to the seaside - and has more recently appeared at summer fetes, fairs and seaside shows for children.

Punch’s image has appeared frequently on all manner of memorabilia, from button hooks to candle snuffers and everything in between.

Curator Michael actually owns the collection himself, and said it contains more than 300 items.

The 40-year-old, who lives in Bridgnorth, added: “Every three months we do a different exhibition at Bantock House - we’ve just finished showing ventriloquist dummies.

“The nice thing about this exhibition is that it’s not actually puppets, but puppet memorabilia - so things Punch and Judy have appeared on.

“There are Victorian baby rattles, Toby jugs, all sorts of things they have been on.”

Punch and Judy is commonly known as entertainment for children these days, but in the past it was aimed at adults.

Historically, the performance consists of a sequence of short scenes, each showing an interaction between two characters, most typically Mr. Punch and one other character who usually falls victim to Punch’s slap stick.

Michael added: “Because it’s been so popular, there’s a possibility that people may have their own items.

“It’s a really great exhibition with more than 300 pieces.

“There’s one piece which is really nice - it’s a little set of Punch and Judy puppets in miniature, so children can put on their own show.

“It’s a really lovely piece.”

When the collection isn’t touring various museums, Michael keeps it at home. He has been collecting for about 25 years, picking up pieces from auctions and elsewhere.

“A lot of people know now that I’m a collector, so they often get in touch if they have something for me,” he said.

The Punch and Judy exhibition is on display at Bantock House, Finchfield Road until March 31.

It is free to enter. Visit wolverhamptonart.org.uk/whats-on for more.