75th Anniversary Edition – Celebrating Whirligig (1950–2025)
 
Joy Laurey was a true pioneer of British puppeteering, whose artistry shaped the early years of television.
 
This special 75th Anniversary Edition marks the milestone of the BBC’s Whirligig — the nation’s first live children’s show — where Joy performed alongside her most beloved creation, Mr Turnip.
 
Beyond her work on Whirligig, she enjoyed a distinguished creative career that included collaborations with Disney (Mickey Mouse Weekly), Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds), Peter Ling (Doctor Who, Crossroads), and Peter Hawkins (Bill & Ben, Dalek). A formidable character, photographed by acclaimed photographer Baron, talented watercolour artist, WWII troop entertainer, and international representative for British puppetry, Joy was truly “the girl who pulled the strings.”
 
Compiled by The Joy Laurey Archive, this edition features over 150 newly restored photographs, expanded chapters, and fresh insights into her remarkable world — showcasing more Mr Turnip than ever before! Also presented are exclusive and never-before seen by the public, behind-the-scenes images on the set of Whirligig, taken by Joy herself at BBC’s Lime Grove Studios as well as archived personal photographs of her trip to Romania, for the very first International Puppet Festival in 1958.  
 
Author and founder of The Joy Laurey Archive, Stuart Woodhead has been a Mr Turnip superfan for over 20 years. Lifelong collector of puppets and vintage toys, he has amassed a wealth of original items, photographs, theatre programmes, professional stage puppets and other ephemera. Stuart is passionate about preserving Joy Laurey’s lifework and legacy, showcasing what a pivotal figure she was in the world of puppetry and ensuring that the nation’s favourite and admiring vegetable Mr Turnip will live forever in the hearts and minds of generations to come. 
 
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