Push Along Toy
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.
Like many of her other toys, Susan Wynter enjoys addressing a variety of subjects, including occupations. This toy of a baker selling bread from his cart demonstrates her unique way of approaching the function of job, while still creating a sense of fun. Children can learn about the many different roles people take on, as well as enjoy a form of entertainment.
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.
Like many of her other toys, Susan Wynter enjoys addressing a variety of subjects, including occupations. This toy of a baker selling bread from his cart demonstrates her unique way of approaching the function of job, while still creating a sense of fun. Children can learn about the many different roles people take on, as well as enjoy a form of entertainment.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Painted wood; metal; canvas |
Brief description | Push-along toy, Baker, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984 |
Physical description | Wooden baker pushing a stall. The baker is a stylized cylindrical figure with a painted white cap, along with painted brown hands, eyes, mouth and a nose. The baker is wearing a striped blue and white apron made of canvas, and the base consists of a wheel attached to the body by a rod with painted feet which give the impression of movement when the wheel turns. The stall consists of a blue table covered by a white canvas overhang and two wheels attached to it by a rod, painted blue on both ends. The wheels are decorated with stylised flowers formed by three blue dots. On top of the table there are three loaves and one roll of bread. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by Susan Murray |
Subjects 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. Like many of her other toys, Susan Wynter enjoys addressing a variety of subjects, including occupations. This toy of a baker selling bread from his cart demonstrates her unique way of approaching the function of job, while still creating a sense of fun. Children can learn about the many different roles people take on, as well as enjoy a form of entertainment. |
Collection | |
Accession number | B.63-2014 |
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Record created | July 19, 2014 |
Record URL |
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