Phillips Puppets

09/28/2026

So cool to be a part of my local paper! Thank you Portland Press Herald for hanging out!

Austin Phillips is one of the last full-time makers of the figures in the country, and an expert on the nearly forgotten art.

09/26/2026

What a fun figure! Refurbish of an 1890-1900’s LeMare figure. I love working on the very old stuff, there’s just a charm to the work that modern figures don’t possess.

Cleaned off all of the grit and dirt, filled and touched up areas of missing paint while still keeping his age present. New wooden figures grafted into the hands to repair broken ones. New hair done in the appropriate style.

This was an era where small figures were commonplace being used in small tavern or parlor settings, so it’s really special to see the evolution of a dummy through works like these.

09/21/2026

Look at that mustache! What a fun character we just wrapped up. The customer was looking to create a likeness of himself while choosing our “Fritz” figure, so we got creative and modified just enough details to bring this figure to life.

Moving glass eyes, moving mouth, raising eyebrows, and custom detailing. If you can dream it, we can build it!

09/18/2026

Christmas in September! Just wrapped up these impish little elves. Based off my Punchline Pal models, it goes to show dynamic these figures can be with a little bit of imagination.

We wanted to strike that balance of vintage playfulness, and high quality to create two unforgettable figures.

Be sure to write your list, and check it twice this Christmas for some Phillips Puppets!

09/16/2026

Some fresh faces almost ready to for their new homes.

08/08/2026

I had the great honor of being featured in the The New York Times Art of Craft series. It’s been incredibly humbling and special to share an art that means so much to me.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to Nina Channing and Sasha Arutyunova for highlighting my passion.

Use this link to read the article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/arts/ventriloquist-dummies-austin-phillips.html?unlocked_article_code=1.31A.s_LA.eftgtbKfKr9W&smid=url-share

07/21/2026

Incredibly fun and realistic portrait figure of my buddy Darren Carr. When we were discussing how real or how playful to make the figure, his words were “Let’s freak them out!” So I took that to heart!

Moving mouth, moving glass eyes, blinking leather eyelids, raising eyebrows, and an upper lip smile. The headstick was designed to resemble some of his other figures’ layouts, with just that extra touch of flair.

05/03/2026

A fun comparison between two incredibly rare ventriloquist parrots!

05/02/2026

Going to be jealously missing my friends in London next week for the annual May Fayre puppet festival. This is an event near and dear to my heart, and it takes place in the very birthplace of Mr. Punch to celebrate over 350 years of history.

If you’re interested in Punch and Judy, puppet history, or variety entertainment, this event is for you.

If you’re in the area next Sunday, stop in and see what it’s all about!

Punch And Judy

04/29/2026

It’s not too often that I get to go back to my roots and produce classic, wood carved puppets, but today was that very opportunity.

Just off the bench are these hand carved, and hand sewn Punch and Judy figures. They are also the proud parents of triplets! I love making in a classic style, but still maintaining a flavor of something from my own mind. I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I enjoyed making them!

That’s the way to do it!