The significance of the puppet lies principally in its design and fabrication, being the work of leading Sydney artist/designer Bim Hilder.

Puppets were made by artist/designer Bim Hilder in 1940s, and the costumes were repaired and replaced by his wife as necessary, over four decades

Bim Hilder made the puppets in the 1940s, but their costumes have been repaired and replaced by his wife, as necessary, over the four decades of their use.

Bim Hilder put on puppet shows for the childern, in Castlecrag form 1940s to 1970s

Glove puppet, 'Doctor', with doctor bag accessory, wood / cloth / metal, designed and made by Vernon Arthur (Bim) Hilder, Castlecrag, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1940

Glove puppet consisting of a hand-carved wooden head and a cloth costume. The puppet's head is painted olive green and is hollowed at the base to allow the insertion of one finger. The face features a painted pair of red spectacles, white buttons for eyes and a crescent-shaped patch of leather adhered to the back of the head for hair. The costume consists of an olive green smock, which doubles as a puppet glove, with white and blue ruffle sewn down the centre front. The puppet has carved wooden hands which are painted olive green with the fingers marked in black. Attached to the right hand is a metal hook from which the puppet's accesssory, a doctor's bag, can be hung. The bag is made from a block of wood and is painted black with the letters 'MD' inscribed in metallic silver paint on the front and back sides. A curved metal handle is attached to the top of the bag.

Designed: Hilder, Vernon Arthur (Bim); Castlecrag, New South Wales; 1935 - 1945

Made: Hilder, Vernon Arthur (Bim); Castlecrag, New South Wales; 1935 - 1945


Used: Hilder, Vernon Arthur (Bim); Castlecrag, New South Wales; 1940 - 1970

Owned: Hilder, Vernon Arthur (Bim); Castlecrag, New South Wales; 1940 - 1970

No marks

93/157/4

1935 - 1945