Dr. Earl Reum stopped by Maher Studios many times over the years, usually unannounced and always a delight. On one visit he surprised me with a gift of this figure. It is a smaller Davenport/Insull with only three animations (upper and lower lip, and eyes). Because it was not in the best of appearance we never put it on display. But I saved it, not only because it was an Insull, but it is also unique in that it was once sold by Maher School of Ventriloquism (Detroit).The Jerry Mahoney body with a shoulder piece made of red rosin paper machie, is the hand work of Madeleine Maher, and the feature that points to the Detroit School. Someone other than Mrs. Maher attempted to repaint and rewig the figure. More than attempt, they did so, but poorly, and in so doing, the mouth leathers are pretty much ruined.
Looking at this figure now I have to decide its fate:
1) Sell it as is...
2) Restore it...
3) Toss it...
Okay, I won't do #3, but as for #1 or #2, I'm still debating with myself, while leaning toward #2.
keep it as is leave it be a piece of history in the vent word
ReplyDeleteWell Clinton,
ReplyDeleteif you go for #3, then please remember ME! But i think that #2, is the one that you should do. Hey! i'm a poet & didn't know it. if i had a boat, i'd get in it & row it. LOL! I think, since it has a maher history, that you restoring it, would be MOST appropriate. It'd have come full circle then. Sure can't think of anyone else that should do it. Bill Smith
You must have a most interesting attic with all of these little people waiting in line for their turn at the master's hand. I join the vote for giving him/her an upgrade. The blemishes may prevent someone from hearing the message. Ours scars are for our own benefit and growth.
ReplyDeleteClinton, very interesting! But why restore it? wouldn't you want to keep it in its original condition? its a historical figure. would it not lose its value if you restore it?
ReplyDeleteRestore it. It is a piece of history. And remember, "You can't keep a good dummy down!"
ReplyDeleteIf it would be fun, restore it! But, if you don't, and sell it as is, someone else will restore it. Perhaps not well. It's an Insull, it deserves your artistry.
ReplyDeleteToo late for that, Bob - it's already been changed. I guess I could try to restore it back to original...that's an option.
ReplyDeleteThe way the neck on an Insull is made, it should "drop through" the body opening. The setup on the current body is for it to rest upon the open. Strings and rods catch. No problem if setting on a shelf, but not so good during performance.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think when this figure was improperly paint, some of the historical value went by the wayside.
ReplyDeleteThe little fella doesn't look worried in the LEAST Clinton. He looks like he KNOWS you'll do the right thing & trusts your judgement. Smart little fella. Like you said, the damage has been done by someone's failed attempt, so i believe your work would bring value BACK! By the way,can you work your magic on my HUMAN face too?? & i need a re-wigging too by the way. LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be a great project for you, and you do wonderful work and it is an insull .
ReplyDeleteCould I rewig a human? ... if you have ever seen my picture, you already know the answer to that question. :-)
ReplyDeleteGo for number 2 Clinton, only a maestro should be trusted with this work and you are the maestro (I hope that in the revamp that the "Egytian" eyes go and the pinochio nose gets adjusted as well!!).
ReplyDeleteThe figure is being improperly "restored". It will be nice to have a better makeup. I'm sure after restoration, the next appreciated owner will be able to keep it for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI do believe I will restore the head, but I'll try not to change features, keeping the integrity of Insull. I'll probably replace the body completely. At least that is my thinking today.
ReplyDeleteI think you should re-store it, Possibly make it available to some young person possibly on payments, I usually end up giving one of my soft Ventriloquist puppets away, a month, because I meet a child that seems natural, but there family hasn't the money. So I just gift them the puppet. I am in the look out for one for my son, a real vent figure, other then the Soft puppet vent type. I have a couple pull string back of the neck, but He was getting pretty good when I last saw him, in Sept. last year, I keep praying to see him and his sister again, Soon and that they will be safe. I would consider payments on a figure if you would. Thanks, Bill
ReplyDeleteI'm sure some collectors would balk at any more restoration, but a ventriloquist figure, especially an Insull is created to be performed with.
ReplyDeleteI say restore it back to it's original condition and if you must recreate a suitable body; keep the original to be included as part of the sale. An original Madeleine Maher body is collectible as is.
Dave