Gilliam's Imaginarium

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.