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Noah's Ark

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.

Classical in its subject matter, the story of Noah's ark has often been a favorite of toy makers everywhere. In this wooden version, which has been done by Susan Wynter, the timeless story has been updated. The colourful nature of the ark as well as the unique approach to each animal makes this toy one of kind and unforgettable.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 19 parts.

  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
  • Noah's Ark
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Noah's ark, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984
Physical description
Rectangular moving ark with 4 red wheels.One of the sides is a hut-like structure that is covered with a blue roof and can be lifted .The other side is flat and can also be lifted and pulled out to form a ramp. It is complemented by 16 figures: 2 elephants, 2 lions, 2 giraffes, 2 camels, 2 rhinos, 2 crocodiles, 2 porcupines and 2 human figures.
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.

Classical in its subject matter, the story of Noah's ark has often been a favorite of toy makers everywhere. In this wooden version, which has been done by Susan Wynter, the timeless story has been updated. The colourful nature of the ark as well as the unique approach to each animal makes this toy one of kind and unforgettable.
Collection
Accession number
B.77:1 to 19-2014

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Record createdJuly 19, 2014
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