A quirky collection of some of Cockermouth’s most colourful characters is going on show this summer.
These hand-crafted puppets have been created by talented young artist Emily Bailey.
Visitors will spot Stephen Kidd at the Moon & Sixpence coffee shop, Manon Plouffe at Wild Zucchinis cafe and bistro, Holly Baker at the Goodness and Grain refill shop, Karen Cottier of Percy House gallery and Bryoni Meighan of the Little Lotus Yoga company, as well as Emily herself.
They will feature in the window of Strolling4Shoes through the half term holidays, before taking up residence in the individual businesses.
There’s even a competition for young visitors – those who can find the subjects of the puppets will be entered into a prize draw to win a bag full of goodies and just need to pick up an entry form from the shoe shop.
Emily, 24, is originally from Maryport but now lives in Cockermouth.
She has a fascination with animation which stems from watching the likes of James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Emily graduates with a degree in illustration from the University of Cumbria this summer.
The puppets are her final year creative practice project and she’s made them alongside a magazine which will be available in all the featured shops.
“I wanted to promote the small businesses here in the town, knowing that I’m going to be in the same situation as soon as I leave university,” Emily said.
Some of her inspiration came from the talented amateur artists in her family – particularly her grandfather.
“My granda was a big influence on me growing up,” she added.
“He used to make mouse figurines out of shells from the beach and miniature houses out of stone – he was a bricklayer. They were really intricate and he’s been a major inspiration for me handmaking so many things.”
It takes Emily up to 20 hours to create each puppet, using a combination of wire, putty, foam and clay.
Emily received sponsorship from Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade, the town’s Round Table and Rotary Clubs, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Strolling4 Shoes and The Moon & Sixpence.
Andrew Marshall, chairman of the chamber of trade and owner of Strolling4Shoes, said: “The likeness is absolutely fantastic and it’s already getting locals and visitors talking as they spot them around the town and on social media.”
Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is one of the newest businesses in the town centre and the team is keen to support community projects. Claire Wilson, head of the firm’s Cockermouth
office, said: “We are delighted to support this fantastic project, which showcases both Emily’s talent and the town of Cockermouth.”
Emily is already taking commissions after her work was spotted on social media – now she’s hoping for more as word of the puppets spreads.
Anyone interested in a puppet of their own can find out more at www.embaileyillustration.grillust.uk
