Soft Toys
The Museum's collection of soft toys is rich in domestic animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits and wild animals such as elephants and lions. It also features more exotic creatures including a chameleon. Most of the important soft toy manufacturers, past and present, are represented. Key items include the original Golly, made in the 1880s, various 1930s Schuco animals made in about 1910 and various Steiff animals also made in the early 20th century.
Mechanical Fox
A fox is perhaps an unusual choice for a soft toy, yet they were very popular in the first half of the twentieth century. This may have something to do with fox characters in children's literature, such as the trickster Reynard and Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod.
Noddy
Noddy is the most famous creation of children's author, Enid Blyton (1897-1968). The first book, Little Noddy Goes to Toyland, was published in 1949. It was an immediate success and twenty-three more books followed.
Pumpie
This elephant goes by the name of Pumpie. He is made out of felt and is stuffed with wood and very fine wood shavings. Pumpie is dressed as a sailor in a smart, dark blue, woollen jacket and matching trousers.
