https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=BTMM+Gillian&feedformat=atomThe Brighton Toy and Model Index - User contributions [en-gb]2024-03-29T14:42:51ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.38.2https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5032Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T14:42:37Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931, and by 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book (Dorling Kindersley 1991) ISBN 0863186556<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Chad_Valley&diff=5031Category:Chad Valley2012-02-29T14:24:30Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{stub}}<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Chad Valley''' grew from a tiny printing works to a large manufacturer of soft toys and games. It remains one of the largest British producers of teddy bears of recent times.<br />
<br />
<br />
In 1860, Joseph and Alfred Johnson set up their printing works in George Street Parade, Birmingham. Their main business was in printing labels and headed stationery etc. In 1897, they moved to larger premises in Harborne, close to the Chad Brook, where they started producing boxes, board games and jigsaws as well. They also produced chessmen, draughts and dominoes for their board games in a nearby factory, which was close to a timber yard. By buying up one company after another (for example, the Wrekin and Issa works for soft toys and the Tan Bank factory for teddy bears), the firm began to grow, issuing a catalogue by 1897. <br />
<br />
<br />
The first Chad Valley traditional jointed, plush teddy bears were first manufactured in 1915-1916, following a ban on German imports into Britain. However, the Chad Valley company remained very traditional in its output, and continued to produce stuffed animals which worked either by clockwork or by being pulled along. Their basic range included cats, bears, lions and elephants. Some Chad Valley bears from this period have been found stuffed with cork chippings, and others with wire jointing. <br />
<br />
<br />
Chad Valley expanded rapidly during the 1920’s and 30’s, taking over five companies, including '''Isaacs and Co'''. By the early 1930’s, the company was selling bears in fourteen sizes. Nose designs were also modified in this period – these years saw the introduction of the thickly-bound, oval shaped nose, which has become characteristic of Chad Valley products.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the end of the 1930’s, Chad Valley was recognised as one of the world’s leading toy manufacturers. In 1938, it was granted the British Royal Warrant of Appointment and from that year onwards, each toy produced by the company carried a label with the declaration “Toymakers to Her Majesty the Queen”, referring to '''Queen Elizabeth''' - the wife of the monarch at the time, '''King George VI'''. The wording changed in 1953, when “the Queen” became “the Queen Mother”. This detail is useful when trying to date Chad Valley bears.<br />
<br />
<br />
Chad Valley products are usually clearly marked with sewn-on labels, which often give the name of the toy series in which it appears. This facilitates the dating of the product, though obviously once introduced a particular toy appeared for many years. In its early years, Chad Valley placed its trademark button on the bear’s right ear, but buttons were occasionally found on the bear’s upper chest. It is possible that problems with '''Steiff'''’s patent “button in ear” might have caused these alterations. During the 1930’s and 40’s, a white woven label with red lettering was attached to each bear issued by Chad Valley. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Kenneth and Marguerite Fawdry, ''Pollocks History of English Dolls and Toys'', researched by Brown, Deborah, Ernest Benn Ltd. 1979, ISBN 0 510-00049-5<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_chad_valley.asp Chad Valley Company History (luckybears.com)]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5030Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T13:53:29Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931, and by 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book (Dorling Kindersley 1991) ISBN 0863186556<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5029Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T13:52:57Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931, and by 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5028Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T13:52:38Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931, and by 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia, (Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5027Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T13:48:00Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931, and by 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=5026Category:Merrythought2012-02-29T13:47:06Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). <br />
<br />
Soon after its foundation, Merrythought began making novelty teddy bears. The company made several soft alpaca bear cub ranges for young children, such as the very early Tumpy and the Chubby Bear of the 1930’s. The Bingie family, which was available throughout the 1930’s, was also popular. By 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. Their first catalogue was produced in 1931. <br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. During this period, the factory stored plywood and produced maps, along with gabardine and velour items for the government. Toy production started up again in 1946, although many supplies were destroyed by flooding of the river Severn that year. <br />
<br />
The post-war era saw the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, to the company’s lines. The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Bing&diff=4982Category:Bing2012-02-23T16:47:56Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Gebruder Bing''' ('''Bing Brothers''') was founded in 1863 by Ignaz and Adolf Bing, and started making tin toys in Nuremburg in the early 1880's, officially incorporating as a manufacturer in 1895. The company grew rapidly between 1895 and 1914, and in the lead-up to WWI, the firm employed over 5000 people. Bing was a staggeringly prolific toymaker, and by 1928, it was one of Germany’s leading toy manufacturers, with annual sales of around 27 million Deutschmarks that year. However, the trade depression that resulted in the Wall Street crash proved to be disastrous for Bing, and the firm was eventually taken over by '''Karl Bub''', a rival manufacturer. <br />
<br />
In 1821, Bing introduced its Miniature Table Railway. These models included rolling stock, track and accessories such as signals, signal boxes, level crossings and stations. The first locomotives were driven by clockwork, and by 1925, electric versions were available. As well as producing their own range of toy trains, track and trackside accessories and buildings, and manufacturing for Bassett-Lowke, they also produced toy boats, ships, cars and trams, as well as magic lantern equipment and slides, optical equipment, electric and steam motors and components, hot air engines, induction coils and other experimental electrical equipment including Gessler and Rontgen tubes, dynamos, powered fountains, science kits, and early telephone equipment. Bing made boats from about 1890 – 1914.<br />
<br />
==Bing's Clockwork Teddy Bears==<br />
After adding teddy bears to its production lines in the early 1900's, Bing soon introduced clockwork mechanisms into these bears, with a wind-up key at the side or front. Soon, rollerskating, somersaulting and “footballer” bears were introduced to Bing’s lines. '''Steiff''' claimed that Bing’s 1910 somersaulting bear copied their 1909 “Purzel-Bär, and the resulting lawsuit lasted for four years (1911-1915). Bing initially used a button-in-ear trademark, but Steiff took action against this, which led to Bing replacing the button with a metal arrow fixed under the ear. This was later replaced by a metal button under the arm – on condition that the word “button” was not used in the trademark. <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Marklin]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
* 1898 Bing toy catalogue, <br />
* 1906 Bing toy catalogue, reprint, (New Cavendish Books 1991) ISBN 0904568520<br />
*Jack Tempest, ''Collecting Tin Toys'', with foreword by Andrew Hilton, Collins 1987, ISBN 0-00-412275-5<br />
*Gwen White, ''Toys, Dolls, Automata – Marks and Labels'', B.T. Batsford Ltd, London, 1975, reprinted 1985, ISBN 0-7314-2956-9<br />
*Pauline Cockrill, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Merrythought&diff=4981Category:Merrythought2012-02-23T16:42:15Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Merrythought''' is Britain's oldest family-owned soft toy company. <br />
<br />
In 1919, Holmes and Laxton opened a small spinning-mill in Yorkshire to weave yarns from imported raw mohair. Later, they bought a mohair plush weaving factory in Huddersfield, and seeking an outlet for their plush fabric, founded a soft toy factory and registered the trademark, Merrythought Limited, in 1930 ("merrythought" is a Seventeenth Century English name for a wishbone, a symbol of good luck). Their first catalogue was produced in 1931.<br />
<br />
In 1931, they leased one of Coalbrookdale Company's buildings in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The Ironbridge area was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and the shape of the first iron bridge was echoed in the shape of the word "Merrythought" on their labels. Electric motors were installed to drive powered sewing machines. <br />
<br />
By 1935, the company was the largest soft toy manufacturer in the UK. <br />
<br />
<br />
During World War Two, few bears were made and the British Admiralty took over the factory. Rationing affected the quality and quantity of the fabric. <br />
<br />
The "button" trademark was then phased out, and the bears' foot-label became printed rather than embroidered. Merrythought produced a "Coronation" bear in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second, in red, white and blue mohair plush.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Pauline Cockrill, '''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia''' (Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 2001) ISBN 0751333913<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.merrythought.co.uk/wsb/pages/history-of-merrythought.php History of Merrythought]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Bing&diff=4980Category:Bing2012-02-23T16:32:54Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Gebruder Bing''' ('''Bing Brothers''') was founded in 1863 by Ignaz and Adolf Bing, and started making tin toys in Nuremburg in the early 1880's, officially incorporating as a manufacturer in 1895. The company grew rapidly between 1895 and 1914, and in the lead-up to WWI, the firm employed over 5000 people. Bing was a staggeringly prolific toymaker, and by 1928, it was one of Germany’s leading toy manufacturers, with annual sales of around 27 million Deutschmarks that year. However, the trade depression that resulted in the Wall Street crash proved to be disastrous for Bing, and the firm was eventually taken over by '''Karl Bub''', a rival manufacturer. <br />
<br />
In 1821, Bing introduced its Miniature Table Railway. These models included rolling stock, track and accessories such as signals, signal boxes, level crossings and stations. The first locomotives were driven by clockwork, and by 1925, electric versions were available. As well as producing their own range of toy trains, track and trackside accessories and buildings, and manufacturing for Bassett-Lowke, they also produced toy boats, ships, cars and trams, as well as magic lantern equipment and slides, optical equipment, electric and steam motors and components, hot air engines, induction coils and other experimental electrical equipment including Gessler and Rontgen tubes, dynamos, powered fountains, science kits, and early telephone equipment. Bing made boats from about 1890 – 1914.<br />
<br />
==Bing's Clockwork Teddy Bears==<br />
After adding teddy bears to its production lines in the early 1900's, Bing soon introduced clockwork mechanisms into these bears, with a wind-up key at the side or front. Soon, rollerskating, somersaulting and “footballer” bears were introduced to Bing’s lines. '''Steiff''' claimed that Bing’s 1910 somersaulting bear copied their 1909 “Purzel-Bär, and the resulting lawsuit lasted for four years (1911-1915). Bing initially used a button-in-ear trademark, but Steiff took action against this, which led to Bing replacing the button with a metal arrow fixed under the ear. This was later replaced by a metal button under the arm – on condition that the word “button” was not used in the trademark. <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Marklin]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
* 1898 Bing toy catalogue, <br />
* 1906 Bing toy catalogue, reprint, (New Cavendish Books 1991) ISBN 0904568520<br />
*Tempest, Jack, ''Collecting Tin Toys'', with foreword by Andrew Hilton, Collins 1987, ISBN 0-00-412275-5<br />
*White, Gwen, ''Toys, Dolls, Automata – Marks and Labels'', B.T. Batsford Ltd, London, 1975, reprinted 1985, ISBN 0-7314-2956-9<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Bing&diff=4979Category:Bing2012-02-23T16:32:00Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Gebruder Bing''' ('''Bing Brothers''') was founded in 1863, and started making tin toys in Nuremburg in the early 1880's, officially incorporating as a manufacturer in 1895. The company grew rapidly between 1895 and 1914, and in the lead-up to WWI, the firm employed over 5000 people. Bing was a staggeringly prolific toymaker, and by 1928, it was one of Germany’s leading toy manufacturers, with annual sales of around 27 million Deutschmarks that year. However, the trade depression that resulted in the Wall Street crash proved to be disastrous for Bing, and the firm was eventually taken over by '''Karl Bub''', a rival manufacturer. <br />
<br />
In 1821, Bing introduced its Miniature Table Railway. These models included rolling stock, track and accessories such as signals, signal boxes, level crossings and stations. The first locomotives were driven by clockwork, and by 1925, electric versions were available. As well as producing their own range of toy trains, track and trackside accessories and buildings, and manufacturing for Bassett-Lowke, they also produced toy boats, ships, cars and trams, as well as magic lantern equipment and slides, optical equipment, electric and steam motors and components, hot air engines, induction coils and other experimental electrical equipment including Gessler and Rontgen tubes, dynamos, powered fountains, science kits, and early telephone equipment. Bing made boats from about 1890 – 1914.<br />
<br />
==Bing's Clockwork Teddy Bears==<br />
After adding teddy bears to its production lines in the early 1900's, Bing soon introduced clockwork mechanisms into these bears, with a wind-up key at the side or front. Soon, rollerskating, somersaulting and “footballer” bears were introduced to Bing’s lines. '''Steiff''' claimed that Bing’s 1910 somersaulting bear copied their 1909 “Purzel-Bär, and the resulting lawsuit lasted for four years (1911-1915). Bing initially used a button-in-ear trademark, but Steiff took action against this, which led to Bing replacing the button with a metal arrow fixed under the ear. This was later replaced by a metal button under the arm – on condition that the word “button” was not used in the trademark. <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Marklin]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
* 1898 Bing toy catalogue, <br />
* 1906 Bing toy catalogue, reprint, (New Cavendish Books 1991) ISBN 0904568520<br />
*Tempest, Jack, ''Collecting Tin Toys'', with foreword by Andrew Hilton, Collins 1987, ISBN 0-00-412275-5<br />
*White, Gwen, ''Toys, Dolls, Automata – Marks and Labels'', B.T. Batsford Ltd, London, 1975, reprinted 1985, ISBN 0-7314-2956-9<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Bing&diff=4978Category:Bing2012-02-23T16:01:56Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
'''Gebruder Bing''' ('''Bing Brothers''') was founded in 1863, and started making tin toys in Nuremburg in the early 1880's, officially incorporating as a manufacturer in 1895. Bing was a staggeringly prolific toymaker, and by 1928, it was one of Germany’s leading toy manufacturers, with annual sales of around 27 million Deutschmarks that year. However, the trade depression that resulted in the Wall Street crash proved to be disastrous for Bing, and the firm was eventually taken over by '''Karl Bub''', a rival manufacturer. <br />
<br />
In 1821, Bing introduced its Miniature Table Railway. These models included rolling stock, track and accessories such as signals, signal boxes, level crossings and stations. The first locomotives were driven by clockwork, and by 1925, electric versions were available. As well as producing their own range of toy trains, track and trackside accessories and buildings, and manufacturing for Bassett-Lowke, they also produced toy boats, ships, cars and trams, as well as magic lantern equipment and slides, optical equipment, electric and steam motors and components, hot air engines, induction coils and other experimental electrical equipment including Gessler and Rontgen tubes, dynamos, powered fountains, science kits, and early telephone equipment. Bing made boats from about 1890 – 1914.<br />
<br />
==Bing's Clockwork Teddy Bears==<br />
After adding teddy bears to its production lines in the early 1900's, Bing soon introduced clockwork mechanisms into these bears, with a wind-up key at the side or front. Soon, rollerskating, somersaulting and “footballer” bears were introduced to Bing’s lines. '''Steiff''' claimed that Bing’s 1910 somersaulting bear copied their 1909 “Purzel-Bär, and the resulting lawsuit lasted for four years (1911-1915). Bing initially used a button-in-ear trademark, but Steiff took action against this, which led to Bing replacing the button with a metal arrow fixed under the ear. This was later replaced by a metal button under the arm – on condition that the word “button” was not used in the trademark. <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Marklin]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
* 1898 Bing toy catalogue, <br />
* 1906 Bing toy catalogue, reprint, (New Cavendish Books 1991) ISBN 0904568520<br />
*Tempest, Jack, ''Collecting Tin Toys'', with foreword by Andrew Hilton, Collins 1987, ISBN 0-00-412275-5<br />
*White, Gwen, ''Toys, Dolls, Automata – Marks and Labels'', B.T. Batsford Ltd, London, 1975, reprinted 1985, ISBN 0-7314-2956-9<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Deans_Rag_Book_Co.&diff=4977Deans Rag Book Co.2012-02-23T14:51:05Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Dean’s Rag Book Co.''' was founded in 1903 by Henry Samuel Dean. They originally produced rag books for children but they also produced various cotton toys, including teddy bears. The company’s trademark – a bulldog and a terrier fighting over a rag book – was designed by artist Stanley Berkley and reflected the durability of Deans toys. Some of Dean’s early toys had metal buttons fixed to their bodies as a trademark. By 1922-23, Deans had registered its trade name “A1 Toys”. <br />
<br />
Deans produced their first catalogued teddy bears in their Elephant and Castle factory in 1915, and started producing a series of kapok-stuffed, mohair plush toys called Bendy Bears in the early 1920’s. Each of these “Bendy Bears” had an internal metal framework which allowed them to be manipulated. Their plush bears were not introduced until after WWI. By 1931, Deans tended to use artificial silk plush - there was no mohair in the 1935 range. However, gold, blue and pink mohair plush was reintroduced in 1936.<br />
<br />
During WWII, the company gave priority to the production of war supplies, such as life jackets, and therefore few Deans teddy bears were produced during this period. During the 1960’s and 70’s, main production continued at a factory in Rye, Sussex. The company used the '''Childsplay Toys''' trademark until 1965, when '''Childsplay Ltd''' (one of the two divisions formed in the 1950’s, along with '''Merton Toys Ltd''') became '''Deans Childsplay Toys Ltd'''. The fighting dogs logo was dropped from the label shortly after.<br />
<br />
In 1986, Deans was taken over by the toy and gift exporters '''Plaintalk''', forming the '''Deans Company (1903) Ltd'''. Two years later, Neil and Barbara Miller bought out the firm and revived the Deans Rag Book Co. Ltd. name, and launched a new limited edition range that used the old “fighting dogs” logo. The firm moved to Pontypool, Wales, in 1974, where they still operate today.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.deansbears.com/ Dean's Bears]<br />
*[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_deans.asp Dean's Company History]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Deans_Rag_Book_Co.&diff=4976Deans Rag Book Co.2012-02-23T14:49:34Z<p>BTMM Gillian: Created page with "'''Dean’s Rag Book Co.''' was founded in 1903 by Henry Samuel Dean. They originally produced rag books for children but they also produced various cotton toys, including teddy ..."</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Dean’s Rag Book Co.''' was founded in 1903 by Henry Samuel Dean. They originally produced rag books for children but they also produced various cotton toys, including teddy bears. The company’s trademark – a bulldog and a terrier fighting over a rag book – was designed by artist Stanley Berkley and reflected the durability of Deans toys. Some of Dean’s early toys had metal buttons fixed to their bodies as a trademark. By 1922-23, Deans had registered its trade name “A1 Toys”. <br />
<br />
Deans produced their first catalogued teddy bears in their Elephant and Castle factory in 1915, and started producing a series of kapok-stuffed, mohair plush toys called Bendy Bears in the early 1920’s. Each of these “Bendy Bears” had an internal metal framework which allowed them to be manipulated. Their plush bears were not introduced until after WWI. By 1931, Deans tended to use artificial silk plush - there was no mohair in the 1935 range. However, gold, blue and pink mohair plush was reintroduced in 1936.<br />
<br />
During WWII, the company gave priority to the production of war supplies, such as life jackets, and therefore few Deans teddy bears were produced during this period. During the 1960’s and 70’s, main production continued at a factory in Rye, Sussex. The company used the '''Childsplay Toys''' trademark until 1965, when '''Childsplay Ltd''' (one of the two divisions formed in the 1950’s, along with '''Merton Toys Ltd''') became '''Deans Childsplay Toys Ltd'''. The fighting dogs logo was dropped from the label shortly after.<br />
<br />
In 1986, Deans was taken over by the toy and gift exporters '''Plaintalk''', forming the '''Deans Company (1903) Ltd'''. Two years later, Neil and Barbara Miller bought out the firm and revived the Deans Rag Book Co. Ltd. name, and launched a new limited edition range that used the old “fighting dogs” logo. The firm moved to Pontypool, Wales, in 1974, where they still operate today.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.deansbears.com/ Dean's Bears]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4876Category:W. Britain2012-02-09T16:12:46Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but the production of toy soldiers - which was to make William Britain a household name - began in 1893, using the hollowcasting process.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that imports from Germany dominated the toy market, Britains continued to grow, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. However, the production of metal hollowcast figures ceased in 1966 due to introduction of plastic figures. <br />
<br />
From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets included Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be very popular. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was eventually sold to '''The Dobson Park Group''', who changed the company name to '''Britain Petite Ltd''' in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the '''W. Britain Centenary''', the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
==Following Cultural Trends==<br />
While Britains is mostly famous for the company's work on military themed figures, the civilian side of life has not been fully ignored. Before the death of W Britain himself in 1906, this was very much a minor side of the company, with figures based on contempary football teams being the main exception to the military rule ... however his son slowly started branching out more by producing lines based on the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts and Railway figures. <br />
<br />
The aftermath of World War One, however, changed things considerably, as public sentiment was less receptive to children's playthings with violent trappings. Wise enough not to sail against the wind of popular opinion, Britains began to massively increase their production of lines focused more on civilian life. In 1923 the ''Model Home Farm'' series was introduced and served as a springboard for the development of other lines, by 1940 the catalogue included sets based on Zoos, Gardens, Police, Circuses, Hunting figures, Ambulances, Trucks, Mail vans, Roadsigns and Horse racing. However it wasn't until World War Two that Britains released their "Lilliput" which was set to [[00-gauge]] scale to be compatible with model train sets - until this point ALL the company's models were produced to the scale associated with military figures.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm W. Britain - The History (wbritain.com)]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm A Short History of Britains Toy Company (gibbs.fastfreenet.com)]<br />
* ''Gordon Gardiner, and Alistair Morris'', '''The All-Colour Directory of Metal Toys: A Pictorial Guide to the Art of Collecting International Playthings''' (Salamander Books Ltd, 1984) ISBN 0701818263</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4875Category:W. Britain2012-02-09T16:07:19Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but production of toy soldiers - which was to make William Britain a household name - began in 1893, using the hollowcasting process.<br />
<br />
At the time, imports from Germany dominated the toy market. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but production of metal hollowcast figures ceased in 1966 due to with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, '''The Dobson Park Group''', who changed the company name to '''Britain Petite Ltd''' in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the '''W. Britain Centenary''', the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
==Following Cultural Trends==<br />
While Britains is mostly famous for the company's work on military themed figures, the civilian side of life has not been fully ignored. Before the death of W Britain himself in 1906, this was very much a minor side of the company, with figures based on contempary football teams being the main exception to the military rule ... however his son slowly started branching out more by producing lines based on the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts and Railway figures. <br />
<br />
The aftermath of World War One, however, changed things considerably, as public sentiment was less receptive to children's playthings with violent trappings. Wise enough not to sail against the wind of popular opinion, Britains began to massively increase their production of lines focused more on civilian life. In 1923 the ''Model Home Farm'' series was introduced and served as a springboard for the development of other lines, by 1940 the catalogue included sets based on Zoos, Gardens, Police, Circuses, Hunting figures, Ambulances, Trucks, Mail vans, Roadsigns and Horse racing. However it wasn't until World War Two that Britains released their "Lilliput" which was set to [[00-gauge]] scale to be compatible with model train sets - until this point ALL the company's models were produced to the scale associated with military figures.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm W. Britain - The History (wbritain.com)]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm A Short History of Britains Toy Company (gibbs.fastfreenet.com)]<br />
* ''Gordon Gardiner, and Alistair Morris'', '''The All-Colour Directory of Metal Toys: A Pictorial Guide to the Art of Collecting International Playthings''' (Salamander Books Ltd, 1984) ISBN 0701818263</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4874Farnell2012-02-09T15:56:07Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's early designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm J.K.Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Chad_Valley&diff=4873Chad Valley2012-02-09T15:53:05Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>==External Links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_chad_valley.asp Chad Valley Company History]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4872Farnell2012-02-09T15:45:17Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm J.K.Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4871Farnell2012-02-09T15:39:06Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4870Farnell2012-02-09T15:38:49Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, "J.K. Farnell" (www.teddy-bear-uk.com)]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4869Farnell2012-02-09T15:36:23Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Chad_Valley&diff=4868Chad Valley2012-02-09T15:35:46Z<p>BTMM Gillian: Blanked the page</p>
<hr />
<div></div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Chad_Valley&diff=4867Chad Valley2012-02-09T15:35:32Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.moorpool.com/moorpool.ra/history/Chad%20Valley%20Toys%20A%20Short%20Story.pdf, Chad Valley Toy Company - A Short History]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Chad_Valley&diff=4866Chad Valley2012-02-08T16:51:53Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.moorpool.com/moorpool.ra/history/Chad%20Valley%20Toys%20A%20Short%20Story.pdf, Chad Valley Toy Company: A Short History]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4865Farnell2012-02-08T16:41:27Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, J.K. Farnell]<br />
*[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_farnell.asp, Company History of Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4864Farnell2012-02-08T16:38:26Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, J.K. Farnell]<br />
*[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_farnell.asp, Company History of Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4863Farnell2012-02-08T16:38:03Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, J.K. Farnell]<br />
[http://www.luckybears.com/encyclopaedia_farnell.asp, Company History of Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4862Farnell2012-02-08T16:36:36Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, J.K. Farnell]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4861Farnell2012-02-08T16:35:43Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
[http://www.teddy-bear-uk.com/TBUK_Main/TBUK_LearningCentre/TBUK_History/TBUK_Makers/FARNELL/Farnell.htm, "J.K. Farnell"]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4860Farnell2012-02-08T16:34:05Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
There are certain similarities between J.K. Farnell's designs and those of '''Steiff'''. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Farnell&diff=4859Farnell2012-02-08T16:32:43Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>In 1897, Henry and Agnes Farnell, whose earlier family business made small textile items, established a soft toy firm in West London following the death of their father, John Kirby Farnell. J.K. Farnell became a private company in 1921, and by the end of the decade, the company had showrooms in London, Paris and New York. However, in 1934, the factory was destroyed in a fire, but the company was up and running again the following year.<br />
<br />
As one of the earliest British teddy bear manufacturers, J.K. Farnell rivalled '''Steiff''', and there are certain similarities between the designs of these two companies. For example, the central chest-seam, which is typical of Farnell products, is also seen on many Steiff and Bing bears. Furthermore, various Farnell bears have long, tapering arms, similar to those found on early Steiff bears.<br />
<br />
<br />
==J.K. Farnell and Winnie the Pooh==<br />
The inspiration for '''Winnie the Pooh''' was a real teddy bear, bought by A.A. Milne’s wife, Dorothy, for their son, Christopher Robin Milne, from the London store, Harrods, in 1921. It is said that this bear probably came from the factory of J.K. Farnell, as they made bears exclusively for Harrods at the time. The bear may have come from Farnell’s famous '''Alpha Bear''' range, first advertised in the early 1920’s and made with Yorkshire mohair. Winnie the Pooh’s original name was Edward Bear, first appearing in A.A. Milne’s anthology of poetry ''When We Were Very Young'' in 1924. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0-86318-655-6<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0-7513-3391-3</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4790Category:Steiff2012-02-01T16:30:12Z<p>BTMM Gillian: /* References */</p>
<hr />
<div>At 18 months old, '''Margarete Steiff''' (24 July 1847 - May 9, 1909) suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued to run the store on her own. From her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine, and in 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business. Shortly after the founding of her business, she sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant, named “Elefäntle", which was based on a pattern she found in an issue of "''Modenwelt''" magazine. These small fabric animals proved to be very popular, and in 1880, '''Margarete Steiff GmbH''' was officially founded, with the Elefäntle being the company’s first big-selling product. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a small shop on the ground floor, and the street on which this house was built is still known as "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse” today.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by one of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to distinguish the Steiff products from cheap imitations. Another of Margarete's nephews, Richard Steiff, made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001, ISBN 0 7513 3391 3<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991, ISBN 0 86318 655 6<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Grimaldi_puppets&diff=4789Joseph Grimaldi puppets2012-02-01T15:05:55Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Exhibit|Loc=81}}<br />
'''Joseph Grimaldi''' (1778-1837) was possibly England’s basis for '''Mr Punch.''' He was the first modern clown, introducing the idea of the pantomime dame and the concept of the tragic-comic clown. Grimaldis style of clowning was influenced by the Italian '''Commedia dell Arte''' of the 16th century, reflecting the complexities of the modern era. Of his own name he punned 'I am grim all day - but I make you laugh at night!' His career began at the age of three at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, and his debut at Covent Garden was in 'Harlequin and Mother Goose; or the Golden Egg' in 1806. In 1812 he played Queen Ronabellyana in 'Harlequin and the Red Dwarf', and the Baroness in 'Harlequin and Cinderella', and one could argue that he began the slow transition from clown to pantomime dame. However, the 'Dame' was not to fully emerge until 1860-1880 with the emergence of the music hall stars. Joseph Grimaldi was forced to retire in 1823 at the age of 45 due to ill health and exhaustion. By 1828 he had become penniless, and a benefit performance was held at both Sadlers Wells and Covent Garden. These benefit performances proved to be of great help during his final years, which were spent by the fireplace of The Marquis of Cornwallis Tavern in Pentonville. To this day he is commemorated annually by clowns in the Holy Trinity church in Dalston, East London.<br />
<br />
Grimaldi was famous as '''Harlequin''' in the pantomimes at '''Covent Garden Theatre Royal''' (now the '''Royal Opera House'''). This puppet (circa 1815) is made for a child - it is far too small for an adult’s hand.<br />
<br />
[[Category:1810s]]<br />
[[Category:Arch One]]<br />
[[Category:Brighton Beach (display)]]<br />
[[Category:Glamour of Brighton (exhibition)]]<br />
[[Category:Punch and Judy]]<br />
[[Category:Puppets]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[http://www.its-behind-you.com/grimaldi.html, Brief Biography of Joseph Grimaldi]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Grimaldi_puppets&diff=4788Joseph Grimaldi puppets2012-02-01T15:00:44Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Exhibit|Loc=81}}<br />
'''Joseph Grimaldi''' (1778-1837) was possibly England’s basis for '''Mr Punch.''' He was the first modern clown, introducing the idea of the pantomime dame and the concept of the tragic-comic clown. Grimaldis style of clowning was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell Arte of the 16th century, reflecting the complexities of the modern era. Of his own name he punned 'I am grim all day - but I make you laugh at night!' His career began at the age of three at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, and his debut at Covent Garden was in 'Harlequin and Mother Goose; or the Golden Egg' in 1806. In 1812 he played Queen Ronabellyana in 'Harlequin and the Red Dwarf', and the Baroness in 'Harlequin and Cinderella', and one could argue that he began the slow transition from clown to pantomime dame. However, the 'Dame' was not to fully emerge until 1860-1880 with the emergence of the music hall stars. Joseph Grimaldi was forced to retire in 1823 at the age of 45 due to ill health and exhaustion. By 1828 he had become penniless, and a benefit performance was held at both Sadlers Wells and Covent Garden. These benefit performances proved to be of great help during his final years, which were spent by the fireplace of The Marquis of Cornwallis Tavern in Pentonville. To this day he is commemorated annually by clowns in the Holy Trinity church in Dalston, East London.<br />
<br />
Grimaldi was famous as '''Harlequin''' in the pantomimes at '''Covent Garden Theatre Royal''' (now the '''Royal Opera House'''). This puppet (circa 1815) is made for a child - it is far too small for an adult’s hand.<br />
<br />
[[Category:1810s]]<br />
[[Category:Arch One]]<br />
[[Category:Brighton Beach (display)]]<br />
[[Category:Glamour of Brighton (exhibition)]]<br />
[[Category:Punch and Judy]]<br />
[[Category:Puppets]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[http://www.its-behind-you.com/grimaldi.html, Brief Biography of Joseph Grimaldi]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4787Category:Steiff2012-02-01T14:56:13Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>At 18 months old, '''Margarete Steiff''' (24 July 1847 - May 9, 1909) suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued to run the store on her own. From her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine, and in 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business. Shortly after the founding of her business, she sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant, named “Elefäntle", which was based on a pattern she found in an issue of "''Modenwelt''" magazine. These small fabric animals proved to be very popular, and in 1880, '''Margarete Steiff GmbH''' was officially founded, with the Elefäntle being the company’s first big-selling product. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a small shop on the ground floor, and the street on which this house was built is still known as "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse” today.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by one of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to distinguish the Steiff products from cheap imitations. Another of Margarete's nephews, Richard Steiff, made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4786Category:Steiff2012-02-01T14:52:13Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>At 18 months old, '''Margarete Steiff''' (24 July 1847 - May 9, 1909) suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued to run the store on her own. From her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine, and in 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business. Shortly after the founding of her business, she sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant, named “Elefäntle", which was based on a pattern she found in an issue of "''Modenwelt''" magazine. These small fabric animals proved to be very popular, and in 1880, '''Margarete Steiff GmbH''' was officially founded, with the Elefäntle being the company’s first big-selling product. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a small shop on the ground floor, and the street on which this house was built is still known as "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse” today.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by one of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to distinguish the Steiff products from the vast numbers of cheap imitations. Another of Margarete's nephews, Richard Steiff, made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4785Category:Steiff2012-02-01T14:46:43Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>At 18 months old, '''Margarete Steiff''' (24 July 1847 - May 9, 1909) suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued to run the store on her own. From her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine, and in 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business. Shortly after the founding of her business, she sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant, named “Elefäntle", which was based on a pattern she found in an issue of "Modenwelt" magazine. These small fabric animals proved to be very popular, and in 1880, Margarete Steiff GmbH was officially founded, with the Elefäntle being the company’s first big-selling product. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a small shop on the ground floor, and the street on which this house was built is still known as "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse” today.<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by one of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to distinguish the Steiff products from the vast numbers of cheap imitations. Another of Margarete's nephews, Richard Steiff, made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4784Category:Steiff2012-02-01T14:45:48Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>At 18 months old, ''Margarete Steiff''' (born 24 July 1847) suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued to run the store on her own. From her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine, and in 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business. Shortly after the founding of her business, she sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant, named “Elefäntle", which was based on a pattern she found in an issue of "Modenwelt" magazine. These small fabric animals proved to be very popular, and in 1880, Margarete Steiff GmbH was officially founded, with the Elefäntle being the company’s first big-selling product. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a small shop on the ground floor, and the street on which this house was built is still known as "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse” today.<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by one of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to distinguish the Steiff products from the vast numbers of cheap imitations. Another of Margarete's nephews, Richard Steiff, made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4783Category:W. Britain2012-02-01T14:29:33Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but production of toy soldiers - which was to make William Britain a household name - began in 1893, using the hollowcasting process.<br />
<br />
At the time, imports from Germany dominated the toy market. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but production of metal hollowcast figures ceased in 1966 due to with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, '''The Dobson Park Group''', who changed the company name to '''Britain Petite Ltd''' in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the '''W. Britain Centenary''', the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
==Following Cultural Trends==<br />
While Britains is mostly famous for the company's work on military themed figures, the civilian side of life has not been fully ignored. Before the death of W Britain himself in 1906, this was very much a minor side of the company, with figures based on contempary football teams being the main exception to the military rule ... however his son slowly started branching out more by producing lines based on the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts and Railway figures. <br />
<br />
The aftermath of World War One, however, changed things considerably, as public sentiment was less receptive to children's playthings with violent trappings. Wise enough not to sail against the wind of popular opinion, Britains began to massively increase their production of lines focused more on civilian life. In 1923 the ''Model Home Farm'' series was introduced and served as a springboard for the development of other lines, by 1940 the catalogue included sets based on Zoos, Gardens, Police, Circuses, Hunting figures, Ambulances, Trucks, Mail vans, Roadsigns and Horse racing. However it wasn't until World War Two that Britains released their "Lilliput" which was set to [[00-gauge]] scale to be compatible with model train sets - until this point ALL the company's models were produced to the scale associated with military figures.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm, W. Britain - The History (wbritain.com)]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm, A Short History of Britains Toy Company (gibbs.fastfreenet.com)]<br />
* ''Gordon Gardiner, and Alistair Morris'', '''The All-Colour Directory of Metal Toys: A Pictorial Guide to the Art of Collecting International Playthings''' (Salamander Books Ltd, 1984) ISBN 0701818263</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Lego_System&diff=4752Category:Lego System2012-01-26T12:18:53Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Lego''' is a classic "plastic building blocks" toy that originated from Scandinavia.<br />
<br />
<br />
In 1932, Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter, set up a business in the village of Billund, Denmark, which manufactured wooden toys. The company took up the name LEGO in 1934, which is taken from the Danish words “Leg godt” meaning “play well”. In 1942, the LEGO factory was destroyed in a fire. However, despite this, the Christiansens quickly resumed production of wooden toys. In 1947 the LEGO company was the first in Denmark to buy a plastic injection-molding machine for making toys, and in 1949, the company produced approximately 200 different plastic and wooden toys. These included Automatic Binding Bricks, on which the LEGO bricks we know today are based. <br />
<br />
LEGO was introduced in the United States in 1962, and at the time LEGOs came in loose sets of bricks. However, by 1966, building sets for trucks, planes and ships were being produced, and in 1969, the LEGO Group added the '''Lego Duplo''' line of big bricks for the very young, followed by the '''Lego Technic''' line of more sophisticated projects for older children in 1977, which included gears and driveshaft pieces. Building on the Technic line, the '''Lego Mindstorm''' series of kits were introduced later, containing software and hardware to create small, customizable and programmable robots. LEGO products first arrived in the United States during the Cold War, a period which saw a heightened interest in educational toys. During this period, U.S. leaders encouraged schools to start turning out scientists and mathematicians, who were considered as being of great importance in the arms and space races with the Soviet Union. LEGO promised that its products would "develop the child's critical judgment, manual dexterity, and ability to think for himself." <br />
<br />
Lego pieces typically have round raised peglike protrusions in the upper face and a hollow underside, and can be clipped together in stacks, or staggered to make walls and other more complex shapes such as vehicles. In spite of the small changes in shape, colour and design throughout the years, today’s LEGO bricks still fit bricks from 1958. As well as producing custom pieces such as wheels, as roof components, and trees and people, Lego have produced a number of specialised packs with custom parts that allow more specialised types of model, and have produced several "themed" series (Space, Pirates, and so on). They've also produced a number of highly successful ranges designed to tie in with existing franchises, notably their "Star Wars" range.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Lego in the Museum==<br />
Lego is not well-represented in the Museum. Although we love Lego,<br />
* there have been vast numbers of different Lego sets produced over the years<br />
* most of the main Lego pieces are still currently available and don't particularly need curating in museums<br />
* there is already an official network of existing theme parks for enthusiasts, totally devoted to Lego ('''Legoland'''), and <br />
* One of the UK's seven dedicated Lego Stores (complete with large display models) happens to be only about five minutes' walk away from the Museum, by the bottom of Queens Road.<br />
<br />
==Brighton's Lego shop==<br />
To get to the Brighton Lego Store, walk directly away from the front of Brighton Station, down Queens Road, until you get to the Clock Tower. The Churchill Square Shopping Centre will be the large modern complex over to your right. The Lego Store is set into the front of the building. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Phil Ament [http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/lego.htm "Lego History - Invention of Lego"] <br />
*[http://parents.lego.com/en-gb/LEGOAndSociety/50th%20Birthday.aspx "50th Birthday of the Lego Brick]<br />
<br />
{{links}}<br />
* [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?q=lego+store+brighton&hl=en&cid=13487965964267949987 Lego Store, Brighton BN1 2TA]<br />
* [http://www.legoland.co.uk/ Legoland Windsor, UK]<br />
<br />
{{Toymaker}}</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4751Category:W. Britain2012-01-26T12:09:53Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but it is unknown as to when he made the transition from his former trade to toy making. However, the start of toy soldier production, which made William Britain a household name, began in 1893. In previous years, W. Britain had produced a number of mechanical toys with varied success, but in 1893 William Britain Senior cracked the hollowcast toy soldier process.<br />
<br />
Imports from Germany dominated the toy market at the time. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, partly thanks to the help of Albert Gamage and his store in Holborn, London – which was one of the largest toy outlets in the country. Gamage started stocking the new Britains lines and, following his new process, he sold the toy at well below the recommended price at ten pence halfpenny instead of one shilling. As Britains extended its range, Gamages continued to buy, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald, metal hollowcast figures ceased production in 1966. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, '''The Dobson Park Group''', who changed the company name to '''Britain Petite Ltd''' in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the '''W. Britain Centenary''', the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
The Dobson Park Group remained in control of W. Britain until the US toy company '''Ertl''' took over in 1997. Ertl bought W. Britain primarily for the farm series, not the toy soldier business, as Ertl was already an established manufacturer of farm toys in the USA. However, in 1999, the entire Ertl Company, including W. Britain, was taken over by '''Racing Champions''', an even larger US toy company. It wasn't long before Ertl realised that the W. Britain toy soldiers were a very small part of their overall business, especially considering it required a considerable amount of time and effort. So in 2005, when First Gear (a small US collectible diecast vehicle manufacturer) approached Racing Champions about acquiring the W Britain name and toy soldier ranges, they accepted.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm, W. Britain - The History]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm, A Short History of Britains Toy Company]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4750Category:W. Britain2012-01-26T12:08:45Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but it is unknown as to when he made the transition from his former trade to toy making. However, the start of toy soldier production, which made William Britain a household name, began in 1893. In previous years, W. Britain had produced a number of mechanical toys with varied success, but in 1893 William Britain Senior cracked the hollowcast toy soldier process.<br />
<br />
Imports from Germany dominated the toy market at the time. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, partly thanks to the help of Albert Gamage and his store in Holborn, London – which was one of the largest toy outlets in the country. Gamage started stocking the new Britains lines and, following his new process, he sold the toy at well below the recommended price at ten pence halfpenny instead of one shilling. As Britains extended its range, Gamages continued to buy, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald, metal hollowcast figures ceased production in 1966. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, '''The Dobson Park Group''', who changed the company name to '''Britain Petite Ltd''' in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the W. Britain Centenary, the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
The Dobson Park Group remained in control of W. Britain until the US toy company '''Ertl''' took over in 1997. Ertl bought W. Britain primarily for the farm series, not the toy soldier business, as Ertl was already an established manufacturer of farm toys in the USA. However, in 1999, the entire Ertl Company, including W. Britain, was taken over by '''Racing Champions''', an even larger US toy company. It wasn't long before Ertl realised that the W. Britain toy soldiers were a very small part of their overall business, especially considering it required a considerable amount of time and effort. So in 2005, when First Gear (a small US collectible diecast vehicle manufacturer) approached Racing Champions about acquiring the W Britain name and toy soldier ranges, they accepted.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm, W. Britain - The History]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm, A Short History of Britains Toy Company]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4749Category:W. Britain2012-01-26T12:06:13Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but it is unknown as to when he made the transition from his former trade to toy making. However, the start of toy soldier production, which made William Britain a household name, began in 1893. In previous years, W. Britain had produced a number of mechanical toys with varied success, but in 1893 William Britain Senior cracked the hollowcast toy soldier process.<br />
<br />
Imports from Germany dominated the toy market at the time. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, partly thanks to the help of Albert Gamage and his store in Holborn, London – which was one of the largest toy outlets in the country. Gamage started stocking the new Britains lines and, following his new process, he sold the toy at well below the recommended price at ten pence halfpenny instead of one shilling. As Britains extended its range, Gamages continued to buy, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald, metal hollowcast figures ceased production in 1966. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, The Dobson Park Group, who changed the company name to Britain Petite Ltd in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the W. Britain Centenary, the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
The Dobson Park Group remained in control of W. Britain until the US toy company Ertl took over in 1997. Ertl bought W. Britain primarily for the farm series, not the toy soldier business, as Ertl was already an established manufacturer of farm toys in the USA. However, in 1999, the entire Ertl Company, including W. Britain, was taken over by Racing Champions, an even larger US toy company. It wasn't long before Ertl realised that the W. Britain toy soldiers were a very small part of their overall business, especially considering it required a considerable amount of time and effort. So in 2005, when First Gear (a small US collectible diecast vehicle manufacturer) approached Racing Champions about acquiring the W Britain name and toy soldier ranges, they accepted.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm, W. Britain - The History]<br />
*[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm, A Short History of Britains Toy Company]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:W._Britain&diff=4748Category:W. Britain2012-01-26T12:05:51Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
'''William Britain Senior''' began his career as a 'Brass Cock Maker', but it is unknown as to when he made the transition from his former trade to toy making. However, the start of toy soldier production, which made William Britain a household name, began in 1893. In previous years, W. Britain had produced a number of mechanical toys with varied success, but in 1893 William Britain Senior cracked the hollowcast toy soldier process.<br />
<br />
Imports from Germany dominated the toy market at the time. However, despite this, Britains continued to grow, partly thanks to the help of Albert Gamage and his store in Holborn, London – which was one of the largest toy outlets in the country. Gamage started stocking the new Britains lines and, following his new process, he sold the toy at well below the recommended price at ten pence halfpenny instead of one shilling. As Britains extended its range, Gamages continued to buy, with production only slowing/stopping during the First and Second World Wars. Until the late 1950’s, very little changed in the style of the figures, but with the introduction of plastic figures from companies such as Herald, metal hollowcast figures ceased production in 1966. From 1966 until the early 1980s, Britains continued to focus on space and agricultural toys as well as plastic military figures. In 1983, Britains produced its first all metal figure in nearly 20 years. Despite the fact that a diecast metal Scots Guard figure set was launched in 1973, these featured plastic weapons so could not be classified as true metal models. These first few sets featured typical ceremonial subjects such as Life Guards, Black Watch and Yeomen. These proved to be so popular that by 1984 the “Metal Models” range had begun to grow. <br />
<br />
In 1984, Dennis Britain wished to retire, and no other family shareholder wished to take over the company. It was therefore sold to a small Midlands-based conglomerate, The Dobson Park Group, who changed the company name to Britain Petite Ltd in 1986.'Metal Models' continued to appear in the main Britains catalogue during the 1980s until 1987 when it was decided that these lines were collectibles rather than toys. They were therefore given their own special four-page catalogue, and during the late 80s the popularity of these figures continued to grow. In 1993, the W. Britain Centenary, the W. Britain Collectors Club was launched, and still exists today, with thousands of members all over the world.<br />
<br />
The Dobson Park Group remained in control of W. Britain until the US toy company Ertl took over in 1997. Ertl bought W. Britain primarily for the farm series, not the toy soldier business, as Ertl was already an established manufacturer of farm toys in the USA. However, in 1999, the entire Ertl Company, including W. Britain, was taken over by Racing Champions, an even larger US toy company. It wasn't long before Ertl realised that the W. Britain toy soldiers were a very small part of their overall business, especially considering it required a considerable amount of time and effort. So in 2005, when First Gear (a small US collectible diecast vehicle manufacturer) approached Racing Champions about acquiring the W Britain name and toy soldier ranges, they accepted.<br />
<br />
==The Hollowcasting Process==<br />
Hollowcasting was the process where molten lead was poured into a figure mould, and some of the molten metal was poured back out again before the entire figure could set. The result of this process was that the Lead would form the skin on the inside of the mould, but by pouring the molten lead back out again, the figure would be hollow in the centre. In spite of the fact that German figures have been discovered, predating 1893, which appear to be hollow, it was W. Britain who pushed the process into the mainstream. Given that each figure contained less metal, W. Britain were able to achieve a lower retail price, and could thus compete with the German figures of that period. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[http://www.wbritain.com/history.cfm, W. Britain - The History]<br />
[http://www.gibbs.fastfreenet.com/WebPages/BritainsToys/WBritain.htm, A Short History of Britains Toy Company]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Grimaldi_puppets&diff=4747Joseph Grimaldi puppets2012-01-26T11:31:26Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Exhibit|Loc=81}}<br />
'''Joseph Grimaldi''' (1778-1837) was possibly England’s basis for '''Mr Punch.''' He was the first modern clown, introducing the idea of the pantomime dame and the concept of the tragic-comic clown. Grimaldis style of clowning was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell Arte of the 16th century, reflecting the complexities of the modern era. Of his own name he punned 'I am grim all day - but I make you laugh at night!'<br />
<br />
His career began at the age of three at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, and his debut at Covent Garden was in 'Harlequin and Mother Goose; or the Golden Egg' in 1806. The lack of great theatrical scenes allowed Grimaldi to project himself to the fore, receiving a great deal of praise from the critics of the day. In 1812 he donned the skirts of Queen Ronabellyana in 'Harlequin and the Red Dwarf'. He was later to play the Baroness in 'Harlequin and Cinderella', and it could be said that he began the slow transition from clown to pantomime dame, although the 'Dame' was not to fully emerge until the period from 1860-1880 with the emergence of the music hall stars.<br />
<br />
Grimaldi made famous several songs, the most popular of which was 'Hot Codlins'. The song tells of an old lady who sold roast apples and drank too much gin.<br />
'A little old woman, her living she got by selling codlins, hot, hot, hot. And this little old woman, who codlins sold, tho' her codlins were not, she felt herself cold. So to keep herself warm she thought it no sin to fetch for herself a quartern of ........'<br />
<br />
The audience shouted out the last word with glee, as Grimaldi would look at them in mock disgust and say 'Oh! For Shame!' This song continued to delight pantomime audiences over the years. <br />
<br />
In 1823 Joseph Grimaldi was forced to retire, through ill health and exhaustion, at the age of 45. After years of acrobatic jumping and tumbling, he was scarcely able to walk. By 1828 he had become penniless, and a benefit performance was held at both Sadlers Wells, and Covent Garden. These benefit performances proved to be of great help during his final years, which were spent by the fireplace of The Marquis of Cornwallis Tavern in Pentonville. To this day he is commemorated annually by clowns in the Holy Trinity church in Dalston, East London.<br />
<br />
<br />
Grimaldi was famous as '''Harlequin''' in the pantomimes at '''Covent Garden Theatre Royal''' (now the '''Royal Opera House'''). This puppet (circa 1815) is made for a child - it is far too small for an adult’s hand.<br />
<br />
[[Category:1810s]]<br />
[[Category:Arch One]]<br />
[[Category:Brighton Beach (display)]]<br />
[[Category:Glamour of Brighton (exhibition)]]<br />
[[Category:Punch and Judy]]<br />
[[Category:Puppets]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[http://www.its-behind-you.com/grimaldi.html, Brief Biography of Joseph Grimaldi]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4746Category:Steiff2012-01-26T11:02:14Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Margarete Steiff''' was born on 24 July 1847. When she was 18 months old, she suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued on her own.<br />
<br />
In 1874, Margarete’s father converted a room in their house into a workshop for his daughter, and from her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine of her own. In 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business, and before long, she was able to take on several seamstresses. Shortly after the founding of her business, Margarete saw a pattern for a small fabric elephant in an issue of "Modenwelt" magazine, dated 8th December. She sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant based on this design, which was called the "Elefäntle". These small fabric animals proved to be very popular. In 1880, Margarete Steiff GmbH was officially founded, and the "Elefäntle" became the company's first big-selling product. Six years later, Margarete had sold over 5,000 elephants. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a suitably equipped living area on the first floor and a small shop on the ground floor, which was named "Felt Toy Manufacturing Facility". Even today, the street on which this house was built is called "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse”.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by another of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to fend off the vast numbers of cheap imitations and to make the company's own products unmistakable. In the same year, Margarete won the Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in St. Louis. Margarete's nephew Richard Steiff made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. <br />
<br />
Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia'', Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, ''The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book'', Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4745Category:Steiff2012-01-26T11:01:35Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Margarete Steiff''' was born on 24 July 1847. When she was 18 months old, she suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued on her own.<br />
<br />
In 1874, Margarete’s father converted a room in their house into a workshop for his daughter, and from her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine of her own. In 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business, and before long, she was able to take on several seamstresses. Shortly after the founding of her business, Margarete saw a pattern for a small fabric elephant in an issue of "Modenwelt" magazine, dated 8th December. She sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant based on this design, which was called the "Elefäntle". These small fabric animals proved to be very popular. In 1880, Margarete Steiff GmbH was officially founded, and the "Elefäntle" became the company's first big-selling product. Six years later, Margarete had sold over 5,000 elephants. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a suitably equipped living area on the first floor and a small shop on the ground floor, which was named "Felt Toy Manufacturing Facility". Even today, the street on which this house was built is called "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse”.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by another of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to fend off the vast numbers of cheap imitations and to make the company's own products unmistakable. In the same year, Margarete won the Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in St. Louis. Margarete's nephew Richard Steiff made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. <br />
<br />
Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia, Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*[http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php, History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book, Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*[http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php, History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Category:Steiff&diff=4744Category:Steiff2012-01-26T10:59:31Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Margarete Steiff''' was born on 24 July 1847. When she was 18 months old, she suffered a high fever and as a result her legs became paralysed and it was painful to use her right arm. Three years later, she was diagnosed with polio, and all attempts at finding a cure were unsuccessful. However, despite this, Margarete strove to lead a normal life. In spite of the pain in her right hand, Margarete took sewing lessons, and at the age of 17, she finally completed her training as a seamstress. She started working part-time in a shop owned by her sisters, Marie and Pauline, and when they left their home town some 8 years later, Margarete continued on her own.<br />
<br />
In 1874, Margarete’s father converted a room in their house into a workshop for his daughter, and from her first earnings, Margarete bought a sewing machine of her own. In 1877, she opened a ready-to-wear felt clothing business, and before long, she was able to take on several seamstresses. Shortly after the founding of her business, Margarete saw a pattern for a small fabric elephant in an issue of "Modenwelt" magazine, dated 8th December. She sewed a pincushion shaped like a small elephant based on this design, which was called the "Elefäntle". These small fabric animals proved to be very popular. In 1880, Margarete Steiff GmbH was officially founded, and the "Elefäntle" became the company's first big-selling product. Six years later, Margarete had sold over 5,000 elephants. In 1890, Margarete's brother Fritz built her a house with a suitably equipped living area on the first floor and a small shop on the ground floor, which was named "Felt Toy Manufacturing Facility". Even today, the street on which this house was built is called "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse”.<br />
<br />
The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" was developed by another of Margarete's nephews, Franz Steiff, in 1902. The aim of this trademark was to fend off the vast numbers of cheap imitations and to make the company's own products unmistakable. In the same year, Margarete won the Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in St. Louis. Margarete's nephew Richard Steiff made detailed drawings of zoo animals, including bears, which were modified for designs suitable for the Steiff range. This was the key to their success! Quick to respond to the Teddy Rooseveldt incident, they exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair and a buyer from New York ordered 3,000 bears to sell in his department store. Steiff made about 975,000 bears each year. <br />
<br />
Other manufacturers tried to emulate Steiff's success, but the Steiff name remains associated with top-quality bears. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Stubs]]<br />
{{Toymaker}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia, Dorling Kindersley 1993, 2001<br />
*http://www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/more-things-steiff/history-of-steiff-bears.php [History of Steiff Bears]<br />
*Cockrill, Pauline, The Ultimate Teddy Bear Book, Dorling Kindersley 1991<br />
*http://www.sarahbears.com/history-of-the-teddy-bear.php [History of the Teddy Bear]</div>BTMM Gillianhttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/index.php?title=Punch_and_Judy&diff=4642Punch and Judy2012-01-19T16:58:15Z<p>BTMM Gillian: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Origins of Punch and Judy: Commedia Dell Arte==<br />
One can trace the origins of Punch and Judy to the Commedia dell Arte street shows in 16th century Italy, and perhaps even further than that. Commedia dell'Arte, also known as "Italian comedy," was a humorous theatrical presentation performed by professional players who travelled in troupes throughout Italy. Performances took place on temporary stages, mostly on city streets, but occasionally even in court venues. This art form spread throughout Europe, and one can even see its effects in theatre today. For example, the impact of commedia dell’arte on European drama can be seen in French pantomime and the English harlequinade.<br />
<br />
Commedia dell Arte had many actors and players; each demanding high fees. It is thought that string puppets (marionettes) replaced the actors in the 17th century in order to keep costs down. Despite the vast number of Italian dialects, the performance retained its original dialect regardless of region. For example, il Capitano would always have been performed in Spanish, il Dottore in Bolognese, and l'Arlecchino in utter gibberish. The emphasis was placed on physical aspects of the performance rather than on spoken text. Commedia dell arte used minimalistic staging, and stages were often temporary or outdoor structures. Props were a common feature in Commedia dell Arte, which included animals, food, furniture and weapons. The character Arlecchino had two sticks tide together, which made a great noise on impact – and thus the word “slapstick” was born.<br />
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<br />
==Pulcinella and the character of Mr Punch==<br />
The show owes much of its original success to the bleak “killjoyism” of Cromwell's England, in which theatres were forced to close and street entertainers were jailed. Charles II resumption of the throne in 1660 brought with it a huge public demand for popular entertainment, which attracted one Pietro Gimonde, a travelling puppet master from northern Italy known as "Signor Bologna". His show was based on a hunchback character with a long, beaky nose, known as Pulcinella, who was burdened with an annoying wife. This character was to become the basis of the character of Punch. In the early days, Pulcinella’s appearances seem to have been interludes in more serious productions, but he soon became a star performer in his own right.<br />
<br />
Pulcinella’s name, from the Italian pulcino ('chick'), is a reference to his distinguishing feature: a long beaklike nose. However, according to other sources, Pulcinella is derived from the name of Puccio d'Aniello, a peasant of Acerra, who was portrayed in a famous picture attributed to Annibale Carracci. It has also been suggested that the figure is a caricature of a sufferer of acromegaly. His name became corrupted, first to Punchinello, and was eventually anglicised to Punch. Interestingly, a water-colour drawing by Lichery of 1688 shows a Pulcinella almost identical with the modern Punch. Pulcinella’s role was primarily that of a servant. He wore an artificial nose, had a pot-belly and hump, and he was the mixture of jollity and cruelty, wit and stupidity, not dissimilar to the modern-day Punch. <br />
<br />
Punch’s “moral story” was often used to comment on the politics of the day. By 1800, he had become a hand puppet in the street corner stages used by travelling puppeteers, or Puppet Booths. New characters were added, and he gained a wife, Judy, and began taking on aspects of traditional British theatre, no longer the imported Pulcinella, but a distinctly English Punch. For example, he wears the characteristic red and yellow costume of English clowns and carries the slapstick of the court jester. In Punch and Judy shows, Punch usually wears a brightly coloured jester's motley and sugarloaf hat with a tassel. He is a hunchback whose hooked nose almost meets his curved, jutting chin. He carries a stick as large as himself, which he uses upon most of the other characters in the show.<br />
<br />
It is unknown exactly when Punch made the transition from marionette to glove puppet. However, it is interesting to note that, as a marionette, Punch kept constantly coming on stage to interrupt the action of the play, but as a glove-puppet Punch is on stage all the time, and the various characters keep coming to interrupt him. As a glove-puppet, he has retained his legs, but they are now useless appendages. He is, however, the only character in the Punch drama to have legs - the rest are simple glove puppets who leave the existence of their legs entirely to the imagination of the audience.<br />
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<br />
==Early Punch and Judy Shows==<br />
The earliest recorded evidence we have of Punch in England is from the 17th Century Diarist Samuel Pepys who, while on a visit to Covent Garden, on 9th May 1662, wrote: “Thence to see an Italian puppet play that is within the rayles there, which is very pretty, the best that ever I saw, and great resort of gallants.”This puppet performance was that of the aforementioned Pietro Gimonde. King Charles II was also a regular visitor to Covent Garden, which was home to his mistress Nell Gwyn. It is thought the King enjoyed the puppet shows so much that a Royal Decree was passed, allowing Punch & Judy men to call themselves “Professor”. Although there is little truth behind this, to this day Punch & Judy performers refer to themselves as Professors.<br />
<br />
In the Victorian and Edwardian periods Punch & Judy shows could be seen in all major cities across Britain. The shows were always topical, and the storyline often mocked politicians and the establishment of the day. This characteristic has persisted into recent times – for example, during the War, Punch would fight and beat Hitler. Performers relied on donations from those watching the show to earn a living. The large audiences gave freely and the money was often collected in a bottle (collecting the money was, and still is, known as “Bottling”). By the late 18th century, Mr Punch had become a cult figure, rich in satire and revered by the aristocracy. He appeared all over Europe and eventually journeyed to the American colonies, where George Washington became a fan. <br />
<br />
<br />
==The plot==<br />
In 1828, the puppeteer Giovanni Piccini performed his show for the journalist John Payne-Collier who documented the script, whilst the illustrator George Cruikshank drew scenes of the show in action. This text, along with the accompanying illustrations, give us the first printed script of a Punch & Judy show, the basic plot of which is used as the foundation for all modern day shows.<br />
<br />
Very few written Punch and Judy scripts have been written or printed since 1825.There is no one definitive "story" of Punch and Judy, but the basic outline is often recognizable. It typically involves Punch behaving outrageously, struggling with his wife Judy and the Baby, and then triumphing in a series of encounters with the forces of law and order (and often the supernatural), interspersed with jokes and songs. According to Peter Fraser in Punch & Judy (1970), "the drama developed as a succession of incidents which the audience could join or leave at any time, and much of the show was impromptu." This was further elaborated by George Speaight in his Punch & Judy: A History (1970), who explained that the plotline "is like a story compiled in a parlour game of Consequences ... the show should, indeed, not be regarded as a story at all but a succession of encounters." Punch & Judy: History, Tradition and Meaning by Robert Leach (1985), makes it clear that "the story is a conceptual entity, not a set text: the means of telling it, therefore, are always variable."<br />
<br />
<br />
==Acquaintances of Punch==<br />
<br />
*The Doctor: Found in every Punch and Judy show<br />
*The Waiter: one of the oldest characters, now called Jim Crow<br />
*The Blind Man: has the appearance of a rascal and is treated as such by Punch<br />
*Pretty Polly: Punch’s girl friend, to the displeasure of Judy. Not a puppet in the real sense – because of her slim figure she is activated by a rod.<br />
*Jack Catch, the hangman: appears in all the shows<br />
*Scaramuccia: once a popular surprise character, influenced by Italian characters. Close friend of the Punch family<br />
*Hector: the stallion, later replaced by a car<br />
*Baby: child of Punch and Judy<br />
*The Count Clerk: used for special effect, which lends itself to his stretchable neck, is required<br />
<br />
<br />
==Joseph Grimaldi and Joey the Clown==<br />
Later, the character of Joey the Clown was added to the cast in homage to Joseph Grimaldi, the great pantomime clown (1779 – 1837). Joseph Grimaldi was the original 'Clown Joey', the term 'Joey' being used to describe clowns since his day. Joseph Grimaldi was the first modern clown, introducing the idea of the pantomime dame and the concept of the tragic-comic clown. Grimaldis style of clowning was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell Arte of the 16th century, reflecting the complexities of the modern era. To this day he is commemorated annually by clowns in the Holy Trinity church in Dalston, East London. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Popularity==<br />
The invention of George Stephenson’s steam engine, the Rocket, revolutionised travel for all during the mid to late 19th Century. Wealthy members of society took day trips and holidays around Britain’s coastline, and after the introduction of Bank Holidays in 1871, seaside day trips and holidays gradually became more affordable to families. This allowed the Punch and Judy tradition to spread to the seaside, where Punch and co. entertained the British public on their holidays, and this is the image of the show with which we are most familiar. However, the decline of the traditional seaside holiday in recent times has brought with it a dramatic fall in the number of Punch & Judy shows at the seaside. Despite this, the show still remains popular today, by being family entertainment at venues such as birthday parties, Fetes and shopping centres etc. <br />
<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*http://www.puppetonline.co.uk/punchandjudyhistory.html<br />
*http://www.punchandjudy.com/who.htm<br />
*http://www.its-behind-you.com/grimaldi.html<br />
*http://www.thepjf.com/history_of_punch_and_judy.html<br />
*Langley, William, ''Punch and Judy’s Puppet Regime Still Rules'', The Telegraph, Thursday 9 December 2011 [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/profiles/2570630/Profile-Punch-and-Judys-puppet-regime-still-rules.html]<br />
*"UK | England | Derbyshire | Mr Punch's 'bad mood' syndrome". BBC News. 2006-09-05. Retrieved 2010-05-25<br />
*Fawdry, Kenneth and Fawdry, Marguerite, ''Pollock’s History of Dolls and Toys'', researched by Brown, Deborah, Ernest Bean Limited 1979, The Promotional Reprint Company Ltd, exclusively for Booksmart Ltd 1993, p. 106, 168<br />
*Simmen, René, ''The World of Puppets'', Phaidon Press Ltd. 1975, transl. Thomas Y cromwell Company Inc. 1975</div>BTMM Gillian