Nestled under the arches, near the station, is a gem of a museum dedicated to toys.

In January I visited the London Toy Fair to gain insight, understanding and perhaps inspiration from the current industry leaders (read that blog here –>). However, by slipping back in time at a museum, I am able to see what previous generations treasured, what ideas have been forgotten, and gain insight into play.

The staff at the museum were so welcoming, and if you visit with little ones they have a fun trail to help them engage with the delights held behind glass screens. The museum is mainly dedicated to trains – and they are really special – but I focussed on what I enjoyed and here are my highlights.

First off I love an old doll. I know some people find them creepy but is that just down to film makers putting these things into our heads? These two were so cute sitting together as old friends. I loved the detail of their clothes with handworked lace – a far cry from the cheap and nasty fabrics used on manufactured dolls today. It reminded me of the importance of taking time and using good quality fabric when making doll clothes.

The cute ceramic doll reminded me that children were given these breakable dolls and they took care of them. The fact that they were fragile ensured that children knew that if you weren’t careful things would break. Whilst I wouldn’t want to be responsible for a child having broken shards of ceramic surrounding them, have we lost something in ensuring that all our toys meet such stringent safety standards? It got me thinking, what could be a modern solution to help children learn to be gentle and take care. Supervised play with delicate items? What do you think?

Me (Lydia Stonely) with my resting worried face. I am enjoying myself – I just look like this!

One cabinet was full of vintage children’s sewing machines. I stood in front of it for ages imagining all the children struggling to learn – these machines were never much good! In the 1980s I had a terrible child’s machine, but my parents replaced it for my 10th birthday with a hand crank Singer 201k. Both of my children have also learnt to sew on this sturdy lady and it’s the machine I’d recommend to anyone starting out. Still I’d love a vintage toy sewing machine as they are impossibly cute!

Did you know I collect vintage sewing patterns? I have quite a collection now – with a few toy making ones from the 1940s onwards. Homemade toys were the only option available for many families for years and children are still gifted beautiful knitted toys and rag dolls today.

Have you made a special doll or teddy for a child? How was it received? Modern children can have a wide range of responses!

If you read my previous blog on the London Toy Fair you will know that I was impressed by the resurgence of paper toys. These cute furniture sets would be an idea accessory for one of my dolls – particularly my Emily and Friends range!

Do you think your child would enjoy building a little chair?

Play over the years has changed, and I was astounded by the complex toys aimied at older children – working stoves and bricklaying kits! These complex older toys are no longer mass produced, and they have been replaced by screens nowadays. These sophisticated toys really hold an important place in childhood development – dexerity, patience, focus and the ability to cuiltivate a skill that will be a source of comfort for the rest of a life. It was during these older years (10 to 16) I played with my sewing machine; making dolls, dolls clothes and teddies, and honed my imagination!

When doing events I hear so many parents say their children just don’t play anymore – and the age they stop is getting younger and younger. It breaks my heart that we are raising a generation that haven’t known the freedom of creative, imaginative play. I hope my dolls can go some way towards realigning this for a handful of children.

Do you recommend any museums or exhibitions I should visit? I’d love to heard from you.