Not currently on display at the V&A

Tactile 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.

The exploration of the senses is a common subject matter amongst teachers, and is one of the vital elements in the early stages of learning. This tactile toy which allows children to see and feel various types of materials does just that. The buttons in this game match a corresponding texture that is already on the board, making this toy one of the learning and fun.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 8 parts.

  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
  • Tactile Toy
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Tactile buttons on game board, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984
Physical description
Tactile buttons board made of plywood. It is complemented by seven buttons containing a different coloured/textured insert: cork, yellow felt, blue corduroy, green plain-woven fabric, brown sandpaper, red rubber and silver foil. The board contains seven recesses with the same facets as the buttons. The toy is for matching and fitting either by sight or feel.
Credit line
Given by Susan Murray
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.

The exploration of the senses is a common subject matter amongst teachers, and is one of the vital elements in the early stages of learning. This tactile toy which allows children to see and feel various types of materials does just that. The buttons in this game match a corresponding texture that is already on the board, making this toy one of the learning and fun.
Collection
Accession number
B.85:1 to 8-2014

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Record createdJuly 19, 2014
Record URL
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