Toys, toys, toys!

Cut-Outs on Concrete

2010-08-08T12:36:00.003+01:00

The National Theatre is projecting toy theatre performances onto the Flytower at the South Bank this summer. An interesting article on the Victorian melodrama's appeared in last week's Guardian.

Young Blood performs the Corsican Brothers famously revived by our own Peter Baldwin, his classic performance is now only occasionally performed for a selected audience but we were lucky to catch one at Christmas and to see it performed in miniature by a live actor is a magical experience. Blood's contemporary re-working should be interesting. Catch it this weekend at 10pm.

Theatrical Portraits in the West End

2010-07-13T16:28:00.000+01:00

Here we are in a big pink marquee in London's Leicester Square. We were exhibitors at West End Live, a free event put on by Westminster Council that showcases the best from the West End Shows as well as lot's of information and activities from the museums and shops from Central London.

Visitors to our tent could join Pollock's Theatrical Workshop and do a bit of colouring. A choice of Victorian Theatrical Portraits or our own special contemporary ones featuring Miss Kerry Ellis as Nancy in Oliver or actors from Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Dorothy in Wizard of Oz.

Dancing Skeleton Marionette & Pocket Vent Doll

2010-05-20T14:44:00.000+01:00

This hand carved czech marionette of a skeleton has taken up residence in our shop window - he's a little macabre but when he starts dancing in his jazz shoes, he is amazingly jolly! You can see him dance here . He is a moving work of art and has to be seen to be believed. Price on Request, we reckon you could get your money back on the investment by busking by the look of other you tube videos. The pocket vent doll can also be seen on the PollocksToyshop channel as well as our website.

Little Things

2010-04-22T14:36:00.000+01:00

We can't remember what we said in our interview for Little Things Magazine as it's a Chinese magazine and we can't read it! But we love the mix of illustration and fashion and obviously appreciation of the quaint and ephemeral delights of Pollocks as we are the featured boutique in this issue.

19th Century German Toy Theatre

2010-03-13T23:47:00.001Z

Just appeared in the shop, this rather special 'Opera' theatre. A few interested customers already so I don't expect it to be around on our counter for long.

Curiouser & Curiouser

2010-03-02T14:31:00.000Z

Every shop and magazine is having fun window dressing with inspiration from the visual feast of Alice in Wonderland to tie in with the release of the Disney film on Friday - and doesn't it look good! Now this band wagon was one Pollock's was going to get on and so Simon drew the above illustration to celebrate and we have picked our favourite 'Alice' inspired toys. In Richard Foulkes book 'Lewis Carroll and the Victorian Theatre' he researches Lewis Carroll's fascination for the toy theatre and marionettes, an enthusiast for all things theatrical and Juvenile, he did it seems enjoy the popular pastime of the day....and of course Tim Burton has been spied in Pollocks.

Looking for Toys

2010-03-02T14:14:00.000Z

A serious lack of blogging in February. This is the month when Toyshops have to get on with the serious business of finding new toys. We braved snow and ice to travel to the heart of the toymaking area in Germany to the Nurnberg toy fair. Alongside this very serious work we visited the wonderful Doll and Toy Museum of Frau Engels in Rothenburg, a medieval walled town. Rothenburg is very popular with Japanese tourists and seems to be the inspiration for locations in Japanese animation. I wonder why in particular. It's very pretty with pastel coloured buildings and no cars. Anyway - goodies coming into the shop over the next few months, especially very traditional wooden toys from Germany.

1st wedding anniversary gifts - paper

2010-01-24T21:56:00.000Z

Paper gifts are the traditional anniversary gift for one year of marriage. Pollocks has a selection of perfect presents for your love if you're already betrothed - one year or more. Or for a romantic valentines, check our selection here. In the shop we also have some original 19th century valentine illustrations. Our gorgeous troll Valentine's picture is by illustrator Hannah Dyson.

Arturo Brachetti - Mutual appreciation

2010-01-09T16:00:00.000Z

Our poster for this marvellous show was mysteriously signed one day - Peter went to the show and loved it so much he sent a card to Snr Brachetti. The poster appeared signed again - with love to Peter. This show is finished now but try to catch the theatrical illusionist and quick change artist. A regular visitor to Pollocks.

Arturo Brachetti - "Change" trailer

2010-01-09T15:58:00.001Z

Daily Candy

2009-12-07T10:13:00.000Z

For the best Christmas Gift Guides, you have to go online where these editors work tirelessly to find really fabulous and different present ideas.

Today we are on Daily Candy. Our hand made Nutcracker Theatre has been hand picked and features in a Christmas poem - it makes you feel joyful about Christmas Shopping! The elves are working so hard now, hardly anytime to write - too busy....

What a Dolly Christmas!

2009-11-21T23:13:00.001Z

The Covent Garden lights and decorations are up and the Pollock's tree has been adorned... this year with dollies, snow babies, polka dot rag dolls and angels. Glass baubles, belgian glittered cherubs, father christmas jumping jacks are all for sale in the shop now, hurry fast they're proving popular.

Aladdin, the Panto

2009-11-19T21:58:00.000Z

Come and watch Joe perform his one man panto. Hilarious, delightful camp fun in paper. Tickets now available online and from the shop.

Toy Theatre Show in Covent Garden

2009-11-17T20:22:00.001Z

It's the pantomime season and this year Pollock's in Covent Garden will be putting on their very own one! Joe Gladwin will be performing Aladdin at Tuttons restaurant in Covent Garden on the 13th December. Only 2 performances for this wonderful panto in miniature. The show is suitable for children over 5 and adults. Tickets will soon be available from the shop or on the website. Get in the Christmas mood with a traditional Victorian show.

Toy Testing

2009-11-13T21:52:00.000Z

Just to prove that we try to test most of our toys - here's Simon playing the accordion in the shop (a real 'toy' instrument). This was one of a set of photographs capturing a day at Pollocks by photographer Yang Zhou.

Listen to the Birdy

2009-11-12T10:02:00.000Z

We are featured today on the Wee Birdy Blog. All the best shops in London are there with great pictures which make you want to go shopping! Wee Birdy is in the know.

Victorian reproduction scraps available in the shop all the time and as a set on the website.

Nathalie Lete Theatre

2009-11-03T23:19:00.000Z

Finally we have received delivery of our Nathalie Lete theatres. When we saw this earlier in the year we couldn't wait to stock it. We are fans of chic French illustrator Nathalie Lete who draws inspiration from her vintage toy collection. We also have new stock of Petitcollin dolls (as featured riding on the elephant). The theatre is only available in store and we have limited stock. Hurry!

Gilliam's Imaginarium

2009-10-16T14:37:00.000+01:00

Terry Gilliam's film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus open's today in the UK. The Imaginarium is a Victorian-era travelling show in London. I wonder if production designer Anastasia Masaro had a look at toy theatres. The imagery and costumes look fantastic.

Countdown to Christmas

2009-10-08T22:36:00.000+01:00

I know it's only October but some customers are already asking if our glitter advent calenders are in. And as of this week - they are! An alternative to the chocolate variety these attractive, traditional advents are very popular so rush in while we have a variety of designs.

Charles Eames with his Pollock's Toy Theatre

2009-10-08T22:17:00.000+01:00

Another icon pictured with Pollockry. Browsing through this Taschen book I just bought on mid-century design pioneers 'Charles & Ray Eames', I spotted the Pollock's Regency theatre in this picture of Charles in his studio.(I'm not sure what the rope is for) Although known for their sleek modernism, the Eames were keen on toys and my personal favourite is their House of Cards. They also made flip books and tops - we just received some stock of similar tops to theirs that can be made from card and they really live up to their name of "Fab Tops". Great stocking fillers.

Are Dean's Dollies Darling

2009-09-29T11:29:00.000+01:00

A funny coincidence - I was given this deluxe book 'Dean's Rag Books & Rag Dolls' by Peter & Dawn Cope which documents the archive of the Dean's Rag Book Company. At the same time we acquired these 5 fabulous, original 1920s Deans dolls to sell. Now all gone, apart from one which is still available in the shop. The book is really worth a look for anyone interested in children's book illustration, textile design and toys.

Mademoiselle Rozier as Colombine

2009-09-29T11:08:00.000+01:00

Currently on sale at the shop is this lovely lady. With a few admirers including Simon she won't be around long. He says "Mme. Rozier is a very romantic tinsel portrait. Her look is wholesome and more contemporary than most. She is a very decorative example of the art form with tinsel flowers and good colour". The picture is an original 19th Century Theatrical Portrait - it has some spotting and is not in its original frame but we will be sad to see her go. Price on request and we can show you more unframed 'tinsels' all featuring famous actors of the Victorian stage.

Online Site Now Online!

2009-09-25T16:55:00.001+01:00

Our online shopping is now available. It took us a while to get to grips with technology but we are finally ready. My son (age 6) was keen to help with the design for the site. Go shopping!

Saving Britain's Past and predicting the lottery

2009-09-17T23:21:00.000+01:00

A tall order for one week. But they were two British TV programmes we made a guest appearance in this week. BBC2's 'Saving Britain's Past' was an excellent programme on the 'fight for Covent Garden Market' from the developers in the 1970s. Fabulous footage and pictures of the fruit and veg market from Clive Boursnell's book. The shot of our doorway hopefully represented the 'seductive' side of the modern Covent Garden. One of our theatres also popped up on Derren's Brown programme on Channel 4. Illustrating "The Wisdom of Crowds" something to do with an Ox (Simon had to draw the Ox as the real play used was lacking) anyway the theory was part of him Predicting the Lottery Numbers. A master of mind control, Derren Brown has been into the shop - but we were rather worried he had hypnotised us to hand over our days takings. And to show how versatile we are on TV, we featured earlier on in the year in the BBC's 'Changing of the Bard' Ian Hislop's illuminating programme on the history of the Poet Laureate.

Back to School

2009-09-17T22:09:00.000+01:00

September is always a time for re-organisation. Time to dust off the theatres and a spot of gold paint and re-tinselling in time for our busy period. Earlier in the year we spruced ourselves up and sorted out the toy theatre sheets by having custom made drawers and shelves built by Bear Joinery. Inspired by a Belgian 18th century sweet shop seen in Ghent. Please come and have a browse as the drawers are being stocked regularly with antique finds, toy theatre sheets, cut-outs, theatrical portraits. The stairwell is receiving it's facelift too but as we always say "you pay extra for the dust" so we are still authentically well....dusty.

Shadow Puppets

2009-09-04T13:45:00.000+01:00

And talking of Halloween (Zeel bats) I'm starting to think about spooky goodies. One of the new items we are getting in is a shadow theatre from Chicago laser cutter/puppet designer Andrea. Just a sneak preview here. Her shadow puppets have been very popular in the shop and we will hope to get some online. She said Halloween is her favourite holiday and I love these spooky houses she makes.

Lucy and her Clothkits Cape

2009-09-03T23:53:00.000+01:00

and just to show you the fantastic Clothkits cape designed and loaned to us by the originator of Clothkits, Anne Kennedy. This was one of her early designs and came on one sheet of fabric to make up along with the muffler. Clothkits has now been re-launched and is created by a range of designers including illustrator of the moment Rob Ryan (he of the paper-cut).

The Cape is modelled by Lucy, made for us by Zeel - who also makes lots of weird and wonderful toys, some of which are even a bit too strange for Pollocks. Though the bats may make an appearance for Halloween.

Toyshops, Shelves & Shopelves

2009-09-03T23:21:00.000+01:00

You could buy Sasha Dolls at Tridias in South Kensington, which was a great toyshop of the 1960s/70s. I believe the last reincarnation of the business has recently been taken over/closed down. When we were researching for the Mini Me exhibition I became interested in Paul & Marjorie Abbatt's Toyshop, designed by Erno Goldfinger in 1936, situated in Wimpole Street, W1.

They made educational toys and the shop looks like a modernists dream. Goldfinger's house in Hampstead, 2 Willow Road is open to the public and is currently showing an exhibition of his toys that he made for his children and the Abbatts. I found out about the show from shelf appeal, "a blog about things, anything you can put on a shelf" which appeals to the shopkeeper in me.....and the Shopelves.

Ossie Clark & Sasha Dolls

2009-09-03T22:57:00.000+01:00

Celia Birtwell kindly lent us her sons gold biker jacket actually made for him by his father Ossie Clark. We also exhibited original Biba kids' clothes and another 60s/70s toy icon - the Sasha Doll. Designed by Swiss artist Sasha Morgenthaler, they were first produced in the 1960s. These ones exhibited were lent to us by manager Simon. He also put on a small exhibition of them with Emily Dyson at her Notting Hill Shop, Couverture. He is currently on a beginners computer course so that eventually he can bring you his own doll blog because we've got other things to talk about here, but for any doll lovers it will be worth seeing (when it happens!)

Boutique Era Toys and Clothes

2009-09-03T22:45:00.000+01:00

Here are the pictures of the Mini Me Exhibition as promised.

A Mini, Mini Me - Past Exhibition

2009-09-02T08:23:00.000+01:00

My friend Sarah and I put on the Mini Me Exhibition at Pollock's Toy Museum (no business relation) in 2007. It was a nostalgic look at when kids clothes first became fashionable. It featured clothes, catalogues, posters and toys from Biba, Clothkits, Kids in Gear, Woolmark, Ossie Clark, Galt Toys and Sasha Dolls amongst others. Now Sarah is just about to have her first Mini Me it reminded me of the project. Unfortunately we had to give some of the fabulous clothes back (of course!) We interviewed the designers of the time as well as collectors and it was fascinating. It was a challenge to mount the exhibition within the Doll Room of Pollocks (not your usual white walls for exhibiting) but it kind of worked. It was on for a short run and people have asked to see images so will post them.

Shoreditch Star and Toy Theatre

2009-09-01T12:14:00.000+01:00

Illustrator and comic artist Geoff Coupland was commissioned by the Shoreditch Star to illustrate his toy theatre workshop day. He worked with children from a local primary school in the area where Benjamin Pollock had his original shop. The children's newspaper is published by The Shoreditch Trust. The 21st century kids loved making toy theatres and this is the comic.

John Lennon & Pollocks

2009-08-18T22:24:00.000+01:00

How to relax...like John Lennon

In the Telegraph newspaper August 14th 2009

A picture of John Lennon relaxing at his mock-Tudor mansion on Weybridge, Surrey in 1967 was featured. "Here, Lennon surrounds himself with art, toys and a fake coal fire" also on the wall are some Pollock's theatrical portraits. Grimaldi and Colombine look over him reading on his cane sofa. Follow the link to see the actual picture.

2009-06-17T13:17:00.000+01:00

Toys and Fancy Goods