Unique Carved wooden marionette from the Tiller troupe. Speciality act figure representing a Chinese bell-ringer, one of three in the troupe. Made by the Tiller family circa 1870 to 1890. This is one of 35 marionettes from the Tiller-Clowes troupe, one of the last Victorian marionette troupes in England. Marionette shows were a popular form of entertainment for adults in the 19th century, many of them family concerns which travelled around the country long before the advent of film and television, presenting shortened versions of London's latest popular entertainment from melodramas and pantomimes to minstrel shows and music hall. In the 18th and early 19th centuries their theatres were relatively makeshift, but after about 1860 many became quite elaborate, with walls constructed from wooden shutters, seating made from tiered planks of wood, and canvas roofs. The figures were carved, painted, dressed and performed by members of the company. Dressed in its original costume and adorned with bells, this is one of three Chinese bell-ringer figures which would have featured in the marionette music hall. They were probably based on an act which appeared on the London stage at around the time of the Chinese exhibition which opened in Hyde Park in 1841. Carved wooden marionette in the form of a Chinese bell ringer, with a small 'cow bell' in each hand (each with a good tone - probably not the originals). Ivory, black and red painted face and eyes with black dots for pupils. Carved mandarin-style moustache and a carved pigtail on the top of his head, with a loose black and brown braid pigtail attached. Carved legs ending in red painted boots, carved with turned-up toes. Similar to S.284-1999 and almost a pair to S.282-1999). Legs and arms allowing for lateral movement only; jointed at hips and at shoulders, each member of three pieces of wood made rigid and shaped as one. The body solid, shoulder and hip, taking joint, with shaped thin pieces added for front and back, producing a hollow effect. Original yellow silk costume scattered with silver steel sequins. Cream lace ruff at neck. The costume has elbow-length bell sleeves and knickerbockers ending mid-calf, with bands of sequins at the knees, and at the lower edges of the trouser legs. The jacket section is decorated with a band of pink silk appliqué at the end of the sleeves and lower part of the jacket, and as a diamond shaped pattern, edged with sequins, down the front, centre. Two control bars; bar one with four notches, only one in use, with strings run through the other bar and attached to hands. Hands attached to feet by strings. Bar two with holes for run through at ends; notches with head strings attached.