Not currently on display at the V&A

Pirate

Doll
1954-55 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker

This object is one of a collection given to the museum. This collection is quite important as it belonged to Dennis Arkinstall. Dennis worked in the toy industry for a company called Lines Brothers Ltd, they were mostly famous for their Tri-ang range of toys. Dennis was a sculptor and worked in the research and development of new toys for the company in particular the dolls which were produced under the Pedigree trade name. The catalogues highlight that their range of dolls are realistic and produced by a sculptor. We do not know when Dennis started working at the factory but we know that he was an influential figure in the designing of their most popular doll Sindy, which was produced in 1963.

This collection includes dolls from other manufacturers as he would have collected them to inspire new ideas. They are often just heads, which was not uncommon as these were usually exported in large numbers and the bodies made at their destination as it was a cheap way to manufacture. The collection also includes moulds and experimental pieces from the factory as well as complete ones in their presentation boxes.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Doll
  • Box
TitlePirate (manufacturer's title)
Brief description
Plastic moulded Pedigree doll dressed as a pirate complete with eye patch and plastic sword. Complete with Pedigree blue and white spotted box with cellophane window.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.1cm
  • Width: 16.4cm
Credit line
Given by Donald Arkinstall
Object history
This item belonged to Dennis Arkinstall, who worked for Lines Brothers Ltd as a sculptor. It was given to the museum by his son after his death.
Historical context
This particular doll is from the Delite 7 inch character doll and story book doll collection that Pedigree produced. He depicts a pirate and can be found in the 1954-55 Pedigree catalaogue and the reference number given is 7/P. The Delite character dolls and story dolls included Father Christmas, Aladdin and Cinderella.
Summary
This object is one of a collection given to the museum. This collection is quite important as it belonged to Dennis Arkinstall. Dennis worked in the toy industry for a company called Lines Brothers Ltd, they were mostly famous for their Tri-ang range of toys. Dennis was a sculptor and worked in the research and development of new toys for the company in particular the dolls which were produced under the Pedigree trade name. The catalogues highlight that their range of dolls are realistic and produced by a sculptor. We do not know when Dennis started working at the factory but we know that he was an influential figure in the designing of their most popular doll Sindy, which was produced in 1963.

This collection includes dolls from other manufacturers as he would have collected them to inspire new ideas. They are often just heads, which was not uncommon as these were usually exported in large numbers and the bodies made at their destination as it was a cheap way to manufacture. The collection also includes moulds and experimental pieces from the factory as well as complete ones in their presentation boxes.
Collection
Accession number
B.37:1, 2-2010

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Record createdApril 28, 2010
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