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

Daily Candy

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.