Felt pressed face for a 'golly' soft toy, made by Pedigree in England about 1953

The face is made from moulded and stiffened black felt, two large eyes have been attached and glued into place with saftey pins. The eyes are metal rimmed with loose black counters inside, when moved these roll around. It has a large red mouth.

518

Given by Donald Arkinstall

The original golliwog was a central character in a series of books by Bertha and Florence Upton published between 1895 and 1909. Florence, the illustrator of the stories, based the golliwog on a doll she had acquired in the US in the 1880s. The appearance of this doll was influenced by the Blackface performance tradition. From the late 19th century until the 1960s, the golliwog flourished as a toy. Its image featured on toys, games, textiles and ceramics and was also used by food companies. From the 1970s the golliwog’s popularity began to wane as many British people felt that it promoted racial stereotypes.

This item belonged to Dennis Arkinstall, who worked for Lines Brothers Ltd as a sculptor. It was given to the museum by his son after his death.

Dennis Arkinstall was a sculptor and worked in research and development for Lines Brothers, particularly dolls which were produced under the Pedigree trade name. It is not clear when when Dennis started working at the factory, but we know that he was an influential figure in designing their most popular doll Sindy, which was introduced 1963.

Arkinstall's collection includes dolls from other manufacturers; he would have collected them to inspire new ideas. They are often just heads, which was not uncommon as these were usually exported in large numbers and the bodies made at their destination as it was a cheaper way to manufacture them. The collection also includes moulds and experimental pieces from the factory, as well as complete ones in their presentation boxes.

Appears in 1953 Pedigree catalogue and still present to the same design in the 1956 catalogue. The 1964 catalogue has a similar but different version.

B.50-2010