From: Widerman-AT-aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 03:12:00 EDT
Subject: Re: PUPT: latex


Bil Baird experimented extensively with slip-casting latex in plaster moulds 
when it first became available. His pioneering of latex casting was quite 
innovative. He nicknamed the material "gummy," seen in many of his puppet 
design plans. He worked closely with the owner of the Cementex company that 
manufactured and sold it to him. I do not know exact dates, but my guess is 
the late 1940's or early 1950's. I'm sure folks at Cementex would have more 
accurate information. Anyway, the commercial material is older than most 
people believe. 

Among Bil's most beloved cast latex characters were his trio of singing 
frogs. These are pictured on page 245 of "The Art of the Puppet," first 
published in 1965. Also see "Cheeky," made of cast latex, on page 220. The 
durability of cast latex varies quite a bit, and while some latex puppets 
seem to deteriorate after a few years, some can last decades, only flawed by 
discoloring, turning browner with age. Some of my own cast latex puppets are 
over 20 years old and are in excellent condition.

Casting Master Tommy McGlaughlin initially learned to cast latex from Baird 
about 1970. He later worked at Muppets and studied with Hollywood 
special-effects makeup artist Dick Smith. Using foam latex, he created the 
first cast Miss Piggy. He is the inventor of McGlaughlin Foam, and cast Jabba 
the Hut for the original Star War's film.

     -Steven->


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