'Golly' soft toy, made by Pedigree in Ireland about 1964

Large fabric 'golly' soft toy with plastic eyes and mouth. It is dressed in black shoes, checked trousers, red waist coat, blue corduroy jacket and a lace neck ruffle. It has a flower on its right lapel. The internal talking mechanism has been removed.

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.

Can be found on page 17 of Pedigree's 1964 catalogue.

B.60-2010