Not currently on display at the V&A

Baby's First Rattle

Rattle
c 1938 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This Kiddicraft rattle was part of the ‘Sensible Toys’ range designed by Hilary Page, and produced from 1937 onwards. The range contained several different rattles and Page held patents on various innovations. The range was promoted as ‘sensible’ for its use of washable plastics and non-rusting silver plated metal parts.

The Kiddicraft catalogue describes this product as:
'Light in weight, and with a most satisfying jingle, this is a safe rattle for Baby's early days. It has been designed especially for easy cleaning and, therefore, complete hygiene. The discs are smooth to suck and to bite on, with fast colours. The silver-plated chain cannot rust. Each link is individually welded. A 'sensible' nursery article by Kiddicraft'


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleBaby's First Rattle (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
metal, silver plated and plastic, moulded
Brief description
Multicoloured plastic and metal rattle, designed by Hilary Page for Kiddicraft, ca. 1938.
Physical description
Nine round plastic discs of bright colours, threaded onto silver plated chain.
Dimensions
  • One disc diameter: 5cm
  • Chain length: 27cm (approximate)
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
"SENSIBLE" RATTLE A HILARY PAGE DESIGN
Credit line
Given by Tatiana House
Object history
The rattle was used by the donor (b.1937) and may have been purchased at Paul and Marjorie Abbatt's shop in London. The donor's father was a building contractor who did some work on Erno Goldfingers's house on Willow Road. He also worked on shops and may have fitted out the Abbatt shop.
A small Kiddicraft catalogue was given with the rattle, dated Autumn 1965.
Summary
This Kiddicraft rattle was part of the ‘Sensible Toys’ range designed by Hilary Page, and produced from 1937 onwards. The range contained several different rattles and Page held patents on various innovations. The range was promoted as ‘sensible’ for its use of washable plastics and non-rusting silver plated metal parts.

The Kiddicraft catalogue describes this product as:
'Light in weight, and with a most satisfying jingle, this is a safe rattle for Baby's early days. It has been designed especially for easy cleaning and, therefore, complete hygiene. The discs are smooth to suck and to bite on, with fast colours. The silver-plated chain cannot rust. Each link is individually welded. A 'sensible' nursery article by Kiddicraft'
Collection
Accession number
B.72-2011

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 16, 2011
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest