Bristol Festival of Puppetry (2015)

I curated the film strand of the 2015 Bristol Festival of Puppetry and organised twelve programmes and events, held predominantly at Watershed cinema, including retrospectives and conversation events with renowned animators the Quay Brothers and Barry Purves. As part of their involvement, I commissioned the Quay Brothers to create a bespoke installation for the festival which was housed on a bridge in the centre of the city. Alongside this, I curated contemporary international puppet and animation shorts selections, student programmes and masterclasses and I also researched and delivered the first ever retrospective of the late children’s animator Ivor Wood with the blessing of his estate. I worked with Puppet Place, Watershed, Dreamworks Animation and the British Film Institute, amongst others, to realise the programme which received funding from the Arts Council and the BFI Film Hub.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction” Audience member on the Quay Brothers event

'The insight gleaned from a strong animation interview can extend to all nooks and crannies of life, and in conversation with festival curator Joseph Wallace, the Brothers Quay certainly delivered on that front.'
Skwigly Online Animation Magazine

'Joseph Wallace has created a programme that is rich not only in the reputation of filmmakers represented but also the scope and ingenuity of puppetry on film and animation.'
Show Me The Animation

“Homage to the framed perspective of an abridged conversation between the painters SASSETTA & UCCELLO and the mystical occurrence that happened before your arrival"

The installation I commissioned from the Quay Brothers for the festival. The installation was housed in the disused control room on Redcliffe Bascule bridge on a busy commuter route from Temple Meads train station into the city centre. The piece had two distinct moods, one during the day in natural light and another at night-time when timed theatrical lights would illuminate the miniature décor and puppet.