Father Christmas sleigh, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984

Wooden painted sleigh with Father Christmas and reindeer. The sleigh is elongated and has two runners linked by two slabs, on top of which a wooden base formed by six sticks stands. The sides of the runners are decorated with black, white, red and green floral patterns. On the rear of the wooden base there is a throne-like structure with a back that finishes with a pointed headrest, and large arms that form arches of different heights on their bases. They are decorated with white, red and green floral patterns, where the edges of arms and back are painted on red. Behind the back of the chair there is a rod from which a wire with a lantern hanging from its upper end comes out. The wire can be detached, and the lantern is diamond-shaped and is painted black and yellow. On the sleigh there is a Father Christmas standing, consisting of a hollow body shaped like a bell, a head attached to the body by a spring and legs formed by two sticks standing on with big feet. The legs are attached to the inner upper part of the “bell” by a through a metal rod, so that the figure can lean back and forward. It’s got a red painted pointed hat, blue eyes, a nose consisting on a peg with a red end, white painted arms, gloves and buttons, and a beard made of plush.

The sleigh is pulled by three reindeer, one in the front and two at the rear. They are decorated with a saddle painted with red, blue and white patterns, and with white and green patterns on the crest and tail. They’ve got painted black eyes and red nose, wooden green horns that can be detached and white felt ears. The two rear horses are joined together by two rods, which are attached to the sleigh by a post. This post is attached to the front horse by means of a bigger rod that joins another two posts with floral decoration that are placed at both sides of the horse. There are two other rods of the same size, one joining the two posts in front of the horse and another one behind the two rear horses. All these three rods have red ends. There is a golden metal chain surrounding the three horses which is connected through the larger rods.

Note: The lamp attached to the sleigh has been broken off

Given by Susan Murray

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.

Father Christmas, a common motif used in children's toys, is updated in this wooden version done by Susan Wynter. With this toy Wynter explores a fun and fanastical version of Father Christmas, by allowing children to interact with him. The decorative quality and simplistic nature of the toy also promote a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

B.87-2014