History

Toys have been made since prehistoric times with the earliest ones being made from natural materials like sticks, clay, rocks or in Ancient Greece terracotta or wax. Socially, toys were an important prompt in rites of passages into adulthood. Even some of the earliest toys had intrinsic designs with mechanical features or locks. With the changing status of children during Enlightenment, play started to be seen as an important aspect in children’s development. This sparked the development of more educational games such as puzzles, cards and board games. The industrial era marked the golden age of toy development, which became available even for working class families.

Techniques

There is no way to summarise the process of toy making because of the endless number of its different forms and global relevance. The materials used range from wood to plastic and techniques of making are often culturally significant and depending on the local craft traditions.

Local forms

Sub-crafts

Issues affecting the viability of the craft

• Legislation regarding what is and isn’t a safe toy for children – and the impact this has on toys made for and sold to collectors

Support organisations

Craftspeople currently known

A list of toy makers can be found on the website of the British Toymakers Guild.

• Ophelia Dolls
• The Rocking Horse Shop
• David Plagerson
• Dr Hellion, Hellion Toys 

Other information

References