George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection
1850
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
George Speaight Punch & Judy Collection is a 1850 paint by Joseph Clayton Clarke, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a Punch and Judy puppeteer at work. The puppeteer stands under a puppet booth, putting on a show. A flautist plays music nearby. The artist’s style matches Joseph (‘Kyd’) Clarke, a caricaturist known for his sharp, funny drawings. Some of his signature is hidden, but experts link this work to him. Look next at artist: Clayton Clarke, Joseph ('Kyd').
The drawing depicts a Punch and Judy puppeteer performing beneath a booth labeled "Royal Punch and Judy," accompanied by a flautist, with a card frame affixed to the front. The artist's signature, partially obscured, aligns with the style of Joseph ('Kyd') Clarke, a caricaturist known for his work with *Vanity Fair*. On the reverse side, a sketch of another figure is visible.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Joseph Clarke had a habit of slipping into crowds at London street fairs, sketchbook tucked under his arm, just to watch the puppet shows.
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