Welcome to the Midcentury Toy Collection showcasing a personal selection of toys produced by iconic makers such as Galt Toys and Abbatt Toys, spanning the1930’s to the 1970’s.

Many of the objects presented here belong to a particular category of puzzle, known variously as tray puzzles, inset puzzles or peg puzzles. This focus reflects the collection’s original emphasis: these works were valued not only as children’s toys, but as miniature examples of graphic design – art projects in their own right, often displayed on the walls of our home as small, informal exhibitions where they functioned equally as things to be used and things to be looked at.

As the collection developed, its boundaries widened to include boxed games and toys with a more pronounced sculptural presence, such as the work of Antonio Vitali for Creative Playthings. These pieces, which blur the boundaries between play, design and sculpture, are now also part of the collection and are presented here.