Model Scene
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.
This small nativity scene made by Susan Wynter indicates her unique ability to update classical motifs. In this model scene we see Joseph and Mary flanking baby Jesus in a small, but intimate moment. By focusing on one scene, Susan Wynter allows children and others to experience a new perspective on what is usually a very traditional theme.
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.
This small nativity scene made by Susan Wynter indicates her unique ability to update classical motifs. In this model scene we see Joseph and Mary flanking baby Jesus in a small, but intimate moment. By focusing on one scene, Susan Wynter allows children and others to experience a new perspective on what is usually a very traditional theme.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wood, straw, felt, metal, canvas, paper |
| Brief description | Nativity scene with Mary and Joseph, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984 |
| Physical description | Nativity scene consisting of a stable formed by a rectangular base and a back wall on which a triangular roof rests. Painted on the backdrop of the stable is a brown star. On the base, by the wall, there is a manger containing baby Jesus. He is painted white along with black painted hair, eyes and mouth. Attached to his head is a tiny golden paper halo. He is surrounded by straw that appears to be coming from the manger. Mary is painted a deep blue, with white hands, black hair, eyes, nose and mouth, a white canvas headdress and a golden paper halo. Joseph is painted brown, with white hands, brown eyes, eyebrow, and nose, and brown hair. He has a black felt beard and a golden paper halo. On the back of the model there is a round stamp reading: “Toy Trumpet Workshops: Handmade in England” |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Susan Murray |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Place 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. This small nativity scene made by Susan Wynter indicates her unique ability to update classical motifs. In this model scene we see Joseph and Mary flanking baby Jesus in a small, but intimate moment. By focusing on one scene, Susan Wynter allows children and others to experience a new perspective on what is usually a very traditional theme. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.74-2014 |
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| Record created | July 19, 2014 |
| Record URL |
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