William Addison Dwiggins

My New Discovery! The Dwiggins' Book Room!!

2007-05-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

I came to see the marionettes but discovered so much more! The third floor is home to the Rare Book Library which also includes rooms dedicated to WAD's marionettes, printing press and books. To my great surprise and wonder I stumpled upon a small locked room that was filled with books all designed by WAD! Along with a beautiful couch (I am guessing designed by Dwiggins) and his work desk. Whoo hoo! The librarian had to unlock the door and watch over me in the room. It was a bit ackward and I only managed to take a few (blurry) photographs. I wish I took one of the whole stack but alas…She said I could make an appointment and open the books under supervison in the Rare Book library. I will do this. I am in love.

Dwiggins' sketches and tools

2007-05-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

A Play: The Mystery of the Blind Beggarman, or Billy Brown's Bravery

2007-05-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

(not listed in correct order according to the photos above)
F.MORTON SMITH, friend and patron of the puppeteers
WILLIAM A CROSEY, the author
SIRE FREDERICK MARCHPAN, J.P., M.P., M.F.H. (abducted by pirates)
THE HONORABLE LUCY MARCHPANE, his daughter (abducted by pirates)
COL.WILLIAM JOHNSON, commanding the Regt. of the Watch
CAPT.RICHARD SMITH (One-eyed Dick, the Black Scourge)
SKUNK CABBACK, his Gunner's Mater (of the Carribbean)
WIND PIPE WILLIE
SPANISH JOE
STRIPES
BILLY BROWN, an honest newsboy
ROVER, his dog
The long lost SON OF LORD LIVERMORE, alias Billy Brown
A SAILOR
A TOWNSMAN
A TOBACCONIST with one leg
TWO SOLDIERS—together they formed a regiment
A GHOST

Marionettes without Plays

2007-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

A DANCER
MARINA, a dancer
A MISER

A Play: The Princess of Primrose of Shahaban in Persia, a pantomine

2007-05-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

(not listed in correct order according to the photos above)
THE BIRD
THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES, who introduced the characters
THE RABBIT, who conversed with the Bird
SALURA, attendant to the Princess
THE PRINCESS PRIMROSE
BABA, her Afghan hound
UNCLE NURRHEDIN, the magician who created magic episodes
THE MONKEY, who climbed down the magic rope
FEREZ ALI KAHN, the magician's assistant
MASASSI, who carried the magic box
THE METAL DEMON, who rose from the earth
THE ICE DEMON, who came down from the sky
UTOMORO, the warrior who challenged the Demons
ARSAH, the hunter who who would not kill the fawn
THE FAWN, an assumed form of the Goddess of Mercy
KWAN YIN, the Godddess of Mercy

A Play: Brother Jeromy

2007-05-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

BROTHER JEROMY, a mendicant friar
DAME GREENMANTLE, a fifteenth century housewife
DAME HOLLAND, a neighbor (seated)

A Play: Prelude to Eden

2007-05-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

AZRAEL, an Archangel—Bailiff of Eden
DIJUL, a kindly Antediluvian
LILITH, a young woman
DRACO, the District Warden (who became The Serpent)