The world of puppetry mourns the loss of one of its most innovative and influential figures, Wolfgang Manthey, who passed away at the age of 86. Born amidst the turmoil of interwar Danzig, Manthey’s life was a testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.
Manthey’s passion for puppetry ignited during his time at art college in 1950s Germany, where he apprenticed under the legendary Harro Siegel. Touring the world with Siegel’s troupe, Manthey honed his craft and even graced the stage of the iconic Ed Sullivan Show in the United States.
Journey to London and the Birth of an Icon
In a twist of fate, Manthey found himself in Britain in the late 1950s, working at a puppet theatre in Broadstairs, Kent, after falling victim to a swindler. Undeterred, he made his way to London, where his talents were quickly recognized. Manthey played a pivotal role in the construction of the Little Angel Theatre in Islington, which would become a beacon of puppetry arts.
Wolfgang’s creativity and passion were infectious. He had a way of bringing puppets to life that was truly magical.
– Close colleague at the Little Angel Theatre
Love, Partnership, and the Manthey Marionettes
In the early 1960s, while working as a puppet sculptor on the television show Stingray, Manthey met Carolyn Turner, who would become his wife and creative partner. Together, they formed the Manthey Marionettes, later known as Calumet Puppets, enchanting audiences with their exquisitely designed marionettes, rod puppets, and shadow puppets.
The couple’s performances throughout the 1970s and 1980s were renowned for their artistry and innovation. Many of their beloved puppets are now preserved at the National Puppetry Archive, serving as a testament to their enduring legacy.
Inspiring Generations: Manthey as Educator
In the 1970s, Manthey embarked on a new chapter as an art teacher at Trevelyan School in Windsor. His unconventional and inspiring approach to education left an indelible mark on his students. Retiring in the early 1990s, he devoted his time to his family, becoming a cherished grandfather to Percy, Posy, and Christopher.
Opa had a unique sense of humor and an infectious love for life. He taught us to see the world through the eyes of wonder and imagination.
– Manthey’s grandchildren
A Legacy That Endures
Wolfgang Manthey’s passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched and the art he created. From his humble beginnings in war-torn Europe to his rise as a puppetry pioneer, Manthey’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and passion.
As the curtain falls on this remarkable life, we are reminded of the magic that lies within each of us—the ability to transform, to inspire, and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. Wolfgang Manthey’s legacy will continue to dance in the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate enough to know him and experience his art.
