Back in 1925, a group of enthusiasts in London were in correspondence with Model Theatre specialist Harry William Whanslaw, author and illustrator of Everybody's Theatre, a seminal work on puppetry. On April 29 of that year Gerald Morice suggested setting up an organisation to celebrate and promote British puppetry and model theatre. The rest as they say, really is history, with the formation of the British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild. Gerald Morice also went on to form the UK branch of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionette).

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The Guild has had several Presidents over the years, beginning with Sir Barry Jackson, and right up to the present day with the amazing Ronnie Le Drew. The first Guild newsletter was published in 1926 and still continues today, with a bi-monthly digital publication keeping every member up to date with current events. A second publication called The Puppet Master began life in 1946 and is still produced annually. Exclusively for Guild members, it reviews the year gone by and showcases current British puppet and model theatre activity.

 

The Guild is highly active today, organising events countrywide for its members each year. Additionally, our social media platforms allow our members to interact easily and share news online.

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Who knows how such technology will affect our ever changing world in years to come? But one thing will remain the same: The British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild will always be the oldest Puppet organisation in the world. Become a member.