It began as an experimental performance art group in 1974, founded by brothers Chris and Tim Britton.
[1] In 1979, they were joined by Penny Saunders, a designer and maker, who went on to create most of Forkbeard's extravagant costumes and props.
In the late 1980s they were also joined by Ed Jobling who became a core cast member and the company's technical wizard.
[2] Forkbeard continued to create interactive exhibitions, specially commissioned exhibits, short animation films as well performing one-off 'Brittonioni' shows and getting involved in a wide range of community based events until finally dissolving the company in 2024.
Lyn Gardner, reviewing The Colour of Nonsense (2010) in The Guardian, described the company as long having had a "mixture of madness and creativity".