Construction Set thumbnail 1
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Construction Set

1946-1984 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

British toymaker Susan Wynter (1923-2013) started making objects from wood when she was eight years old. Growing up, she lived in London near a billiard table maker where she would use the wooden off-cuts and leftover green baize to create her own objects. As Susan grew older and had children, she began to design toys for the nursery, focusing on both function and education. Through this new approach to toymaking, Susan Wynter began to gain international fame, exhibiting at the London Design Centre, the Venice Biennale, and in various trade fairs in British Pavillions.

Her business, the Toy Trumpet, began as a small toy shop in St. Ives where Susan started designing and making high quality wooden toys. Through her toys Susan was keen to promote exploration through and also designed toys for children with special needs. These toys were then sold to stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. In the late 1960s Susan moved the business to Essex and settled in Brightlingsea where she employed local people. The company grew exponentially, providing toys for major companies like James Galt and the Educational Supply Association.

This 27 piece construction set demonstrates Susan Wynter's use of wooden toys to promote creativity. This set contains large slabs that can be assembled in various ways, presenting children with the opportunity to use their imagination. This set contains bigger than average parts, making the construction of this set feel larger than life.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 28 parts.

  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
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  • Construction Set
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  • Construction Set
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  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
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  • Instructions for Construction Set
Materials and techniques
Jigsawed wood; paint
Brief description
27 piece construction set, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984
Physical description
Construction set consisting of 27 pieces: 12 rectangular sections of different sizes with grooves on the sides to fit the pieces; 2 gable ends with grooves on the sides; 3 plain burgundy slabs and one green slab to form the roof
Credit line
Given by Susan Murray
Subject depicted
Summary
British toymaker Susan Wynter (1923-2013) started making objects from wood when she was eight years old. Growing up, she lived in London near a billiard table maker where she would use the wooden off-cuts and leftover green baize to create her own objects. As Susan grew older and had children, she began to design toys for the nursery, focusing on both function and education. Through this new approach to toymaking, Susan Wynter began to gain international fame, exhibiting at the London Design Centre, the Venice Biennale, and in various trade fairs in British Pavillions.

Her business, the Toy Trumpet, began as a small toy shop in St. Ives where Susan started designing and making high quality wooden toys. Through her toys Susan was keen to promote exploration through and also designed toys for children with special needs. These toys were then sold to stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. In the late 1960s Susan moved the business to Essex and settled in Brightlingsea where she employed local people. The company grew exponentially, providing toys for major companies like James Galt and the Educational Supply Association.

This 27 piece construction set demonstrates Susan Wynter's use of wooden toys to promote creativity. This set contains large slabs that can be assembled in various ways, presenting children with the opportunity to use their imagination. This set contains bigger than average parts, making the construction of this set feel larger than life.
Collection
Accession number
B.54:1 to 27-2014

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Record createdJuly 17, 2014
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