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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 doll's house construction set, made from wood, demonstrates Susan Wynter's love for creativity and entertainment. The doll's house itself, which is decorated in various colours, creates a fun and approachable environment for children. This toy is an excellent example of Susan Wynter's ability to promote the use of the imagination.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 6 parts.

  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
  • Construction Set
Materials and techniques
Painted plywood
Brief description
6 piece dolls' house construction set, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984
Physical description
Plywood doll’s house construction set consisting of 7 pieces (the chimney is missing). Two square panels to form the floors, one orange and one blue. Both are divided in four squares to separate the different rooms, two rooms with a plain floor and two tiled rooms on each floor. There are two panels to create the walls on each floor. On the lower floor the walls are white with orange painted decoration depicting details of the different rooms. The panels for the walls of the upper floor are white and blue, one of them is attached to the roof by strings.
The house is covered by a sloped roof consisting of two red panels joined by white strings, with one of the wall panels attached to it by strings.
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 doll's house construction set, made from wood, demonstrates Susan Wynter's love for creativity and entertainment. The doll's house itself, which is decorated in various colours, creates a fun and approachable environment for children. This toy is an excellent example of Susan Wynter's ability to promote the use of the imagination.
Collection
Accession number
B.59:1 to 6-2014

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Record createdJuly 19, 2014
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