The Lambert Puppet Theatre, home of iconic children's TV programmes Wanderly Wagon and Bosco, has confirmed it is to close its Dublin premises after more than four decades. Artist and Photographer David Cleary reminds us of some of the magic.
Eugene Lambert with his puppet 'Finnegan' in 1962
A fixture on Irish television since the early 1960s, Eugene established The Lambert Puppet Theatre in 1972.
A scene from "Wanderly Wagon" with Eugene Lambert, Bill Golding, Nora O'Mahony, Judge, Mr Crow and Foxy.
A behind the scenes shot during "Alice in Wonderland"
A sketch slowly takes form as a body is sculpted
Puppet hands being made in the workshop.
An example of the carving work as a puppet character takes shape
A glimpse of the many carefully crafted puppets that the Theatre has created.
Liam Lambert (pictured), son of Eugene, has been running the theatre following Eugene’s passing in 2010.
Working on a puppet design for the Lamberts’ production of Aladdin.
A view of a now-silent workbench.
The puppeteers at work during a show at the theatre
The Lamberts have been delighting children for decades with their unique versions of classic fairytales.
Visitors to the theatre over the years have included the Crown Prince of Japan and pop icon Michael Jackson.
While the Lambert Puppet Theatre will be sold, it is hoped that the family business can continue as a touring company
The last word on the closure goes to Wanderly Wagon favourite Judge…
The theatre will close its doors for the final time later this year. The joy it has brought will live on in the hearts of Irish children forever.