GEORGE & ELIZABETH WILLS
of Worthing

This photograph from the 15th January 1976 edition of "The West Sussex Gazette and South of England Advertiser" shows puppeteers George & Elizabeth Wills at their home in Worthing, with some of the cast of 100 characters from their many marionette productions.

At the time this photograph was taken, George was 81 and Elizabeth was 82 years of age and they were still giving performances, making new marionettes and scenery and writing new shows.

George & Elizabeth started their interest in puppetry in the mid-1940s when George was an Insurance Broker with Lloyds.  Their marionettes played a big part in their lives both before and after they retired to Worthing.

Marionettes by George & Elizabeth Wills - Picture Courtesy of The Wychwood Puppets
From a Temporary Exhibition at the Worthing Museum

Tramp marionette made by the Wills' Brother.
Enjoyed a second lease of life with the Wychwood Puppets
until re-built to a larger size