A post-war Christmas gift sparks lifelong passion for Italian puppeteer

The Grilli family (from left Marco, Maria Rosa and Augusto) has a collection of more than 20,000 objects from around the world, everything from theatres, marionettes and glove puppets to shadow figures and silhouettes. Photo: AFP

Augusto Grilli’s eyes still light up when he recalls receiving the little theatre and 12 puppets almost 75 years ago, a childhood gift that sparked a career and a lifelong passion.

“It was in 1946, the first Christmas after the war, a moment of celebration, of joy – a very special atmosphere, ” recounted the elegantly-dressed Italian, now 80.