The first Hobgoblin Hill Puppet made in 1987 was Mr. Punch, as historical as could be, with hand-carved, jointed hardwood hands and legs, and a papier-mâché head. His costume, modeled after an eighteenth century puppet, was bright and ornate.
The original has been retired in favor of an entirely wood carved Punch. From this beginning came scores and scores more -- giants, dragons, crocodiles, warriors, kings, princesses, wizards, witches, even Death himself-- all sorts of characters and animals. Since 2000, all puppets in the Hobgoblin Hill family are carved entirely out of a range of exotic or domestic hardwoods (Maple, Mahogany, Ebony, and Pink Ivory to name a few).
Every costume is made with the same care and research as the first. All are designed to last for centuries-- silks, antique laces, strong cottons; often glass eyes and real leather go into their construction. Each puppet is meant to be an artwork and a professional tool as well. They immediately become part of the Hobgoblin Hill family and are seldom sold. Now, however, I have time to make puppets for sale. If you see a puppet in the Gallery that you might want something of a similar sort, contact me. The Gallery is already showing some of the puppets on sale.
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