In November 2018 I spent an amazing week in North Yorkshire creating ‘Eva’ a giant polar bear puppet for Lamplighter Festival in Todmorden.
The puppet was specially commission by Handmade Parade, an incredible company based in Hebden Bridge, who produce Lamplighter Festival and many other fantastic events.
Much of the mechanics of the puppet I made back in my workshop in Milton Keynes before arriving in Hebden, including the wheel base for the bear and all her moving parts. Once on site I was able to finish welding the frame and covering her.
Handmade Parade is a fascinating company, set up by Andrew and Kathy Kim who, although still involved, have recently handed the company on and now concentrate on their amazing Visual Arts company Thingumajig Theatre.
With the highly talented Kerith Ogden, as Artistic Director, Handmade Parade successfully manages to deliver really meaningful community based work whilst not compromising on quality one tiny bit. The attention to detail and the making skills of those working for the company really inspired me. All around me there was an real buzz of activity as artists worked on giant lanterns, puppets and incredible parade items…
It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such an awesome and supportive team and I’m looking forward to working with Handmade Parade again.
‘Eva the Polar Bear’ is available for bookings in 2019. Find out more here.
