Pelham Puppets
David Leech
Reviewed by Peter Charlton
Ask most professional puppeteers of a certain age how they first got interested in puppetry and the name Pelham Puppets is almost certain to come into the conversation.
For myself, they weren't the first ones I used but they were certainly the first ones I used that moved properly! David Leech, a Pelham Puppets employee from an early age and an enthusiast from even earlier than that, has produced the most comprehensive book ever published about these wonderful puppets; in fact it contains everything you want to know (and more) about them.
When Bob Pelham started the company in 1947, his father said "If you make this business work, pigs will fly!" The good people of Marlborough must have got used to seeing flying porkers, for Pelham Puppets became one of the town's major employers and flourished for about forty years.
I was fortunate enough to meet Bob, sometime in the 60s when, as an assistant on the BBC TV series The Black and White Minstrel Show (how non-PC can a PC get?), I visited the factory to borrow some large puppets for the show. He was a charming, courteous man and gave me a tour of the factory before we worked out what I could borrow. Pelham Puppets have, of course, now become much sought after 'collectors' items' and are often found in antique and junk shops at much inflated prices. How foolish I was to give all mine away to a friend's children!
David Leech includes several chapters of advice which will help prospective sellers and bargain hunters. The book is profusely illustrated and despite its 'anorak' potential, is an interesting read even if you never made the ranks of 'Pelpup'!
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