Story of Pelham Puppets 1

Pelham Puppets:
The Story by David Leech Part 1
PELPOP

Bob Pelham first became interested in traditional animated toys while serving with the Occupational Forces in Germany at the end of World War II. He became known as the Wonkey Donkey Officer because he was often making little beaded animals that were animated by strings attached to a small spring base.
He was 27 years old when he returned to his home in Marlborough Wiltshire.

The Original Wonky Donkeys

By May 1947, Wonkey Toys Ltd was set up and Bob established a small workshop and began to produce a range of animated animals. He designed them around the materials available at the time, using whatever scrap metal and wooden parts he could obtain locally or from a former army comrade in a government store in Bristol.
He soon ran into difficulties though, since another toy manufacturer claimed they held the manufacturing rights and Bob had to discontinue production.
However, it wasn't long before he came up with the idea to produce string puppets for children to play with.

Drawing of Bob Pelham by David Leech, based on a photograph from The Marlborough Times December 1947

He set up larger work premises and a retail outlet in Victoria House, just off the wide High Street in Marlborough.
After obtaining help and advice from Jan Bussell, he was able to design puppets that were simple to handle and so opened up a new and exciting hobby for children who wanted to participate in the fascinated make believe world of puppetry. As with the Wonkey Donkeys Bob's first puppets were made entirely from waste materials. He told how he rummaged through his father's home and persuaded his friends and employees to do the same, searching out all sorts of bits and pieces that he thought would be useful for making puppets. The local scrap-yards received many visits from this tall, blonde rather loose limbed figure, who, at times seemed to look like one of his own creations.
At first it was a struggle trying to convince toy retailers that puppets were a viable proposition, he was frequently met with indifference and resistance. Eventually, Hamleys of Regent Street, London, let him demonstrate them himself behind his own counter.

Drawing of Chloe by David Leech, based on a sketch by Bob Pelham. Chloe was the first puppet Bob Pelham made

So there I was, for three weeks, demonstrating string puppets. That did it! The ice had been broken! He recalled, By explaining how simple string puppets really were to work and showing a somewhat surprised audience their comical antics, the first puppets began to sell!
Within a few years, Pelham Puppets had really caught on and retailers around the country began stocking them. By the early 1950s, Pelham Puppets were even being exported to the USA and Europe.
It is estimated that nearly eight million puppets were produced and sold between 1947 and 1987.
Every puppet was hand made and hand painted and every costume was stitched on by hand too!

Original Sandy MacBoozle made by Bob Pelham on June 22nd 1947

Quality and attention to detail became the hallmark of Pelham Puppets and came to be loved by children all over the world.
The vast repertory company of colourful characters that were produced by Pelham Puppets Ltd appeared to reflect the times in which they were made.
Earlier string puppets made from recycled materials, reflected the make do and mend philosophy of the post-war years.

Part 2