Cut-Outs on Concrete

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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