The Magic of Masks and Puppets exhibition currently on at the Collins Gallery is an encyclopaedic display of international masks and puppets dating from the mid 18th century until the present day. 

Puppetry is the oldest form of theatre and continues to thrive as a popular art form throughout the world, appealing to audiences of all ages.

The exhibition, originated by the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, includes shadow puppets from Java, Indonesia, Greece and Turkey, giant “Russian Doll” puppets from the Rostov State Puppet Theatre, Rajasthani marionettes, Nepalese masks and leather masks worn in Commedia dell’Arte, Italy’s greatest contribution to theatre.

Closer to home, are marionettes by Ken Barnard, Harry Vernon’s Royal Punch and Judy from Dumfries and Galloway, Morag the Highland Cow, former co-presenter of BBC’s “Fully Booked”, and the infamous crawling Baby Dawn from the film “Trainspotting”.

With festive shoppers in mind, the Collins Gallery is also the exclusive outlet for a small series of new, limited edition, etched prints by John Clark based on designs for his stained glass in Glasgow’s Café Gandolfi, available until 21 December from £80.00.

The Magic of Masks and Puppets is on from 18 November to 21 December 2006 at the Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ tel: 0141 548 2558.  Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12 noon to 4pm. 

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