Thursday

V&A Museum of Childhood



I make no secret of the fact that I love stuffed toys. So when I heard of the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, I had to visit it. Today, I was in Bethnal Green on an exciting venture which will be revealed at another date, so it was the perfect opportunity to pop in.

The museum is the perfect size. It's just two levels wrapped around the cafe so you're not wandering around forever like some museums! I was only in there for an hour so, although I wouldn't have wanted to stay much longer, I wasn't bored. 

I really love Sooty and Sweep. Not Soo. Nobody likes Soo. 

Tommy is 105 years old! In the black and white photo, you can just see him perched on the lap of the woman at the front in the white hat. 

This is so adorable, I cried a little. 

Adorable vintage Paddington Bear. 

I wanted to take this crazy cat home!

Or maybe this one! So cute!

If you think this guy is creepy, wait until you see the next doll!

AAARGH GET IT AWAY FROM ME! Is it just me, or does she look like the girl in The Exorcist?
An 18th century doll, proving that bombarding little girls with impossible body standards is not a modern concept.

On the topic of impossible body standards, here's the original Barbie!

Dusty never really took off. I can't think why...

This doll has a very sad story behind it. Charles Ernest Pierotti was a dollmaker and sadly his son, Patrick Enrico, died as a baby around 1900. In memory of his son, Pierotti made this doll as a portrait of his baby. 

These shadow puppets are so intricate and beautiful!

These Victorian building blocks are gorgeous. I love the colours and illustrations. 

I'm not entirely sure what this was: Some sort of board where you could arrange letters, a la Countdown. I want one though! 

Welcome to your worst nightmare: A Furby ghost!
I actually had this tea set as a little girl! It was a very exciting moment when I turned the corner and saw it in the cabinet. I'd forgotten I even had it until I saw this set!
 
It's my mission in life to find the perfect metal bunny-adorned sand bucket!

My grandma and granddad used to live in Whitstable so I loved this 1910 postcard!

Is it wrong that I really want (and need) a pair of these shoes?

There was an exhibition called War Games, all about the toys that are created as a result of war. It was really interesting as it explored the role of toys and games throughout warfare- From Nazi propaganda to Action Man. This noble guy above is a 19th century doll. 

There's something very charming about these 2D toy soldiers on horseback. 
At the end of the exhibition, there was a space to reflect on the question above and write your thoughts down on a noticeboard. The child below is clearly a very intelligent kid.
"Grown-ups make children learn to fight at war... The people who create wars are not the soldiers usually". 
I recommend visiting if you haven't already. It's a lovely place, very inspirational and you never know what you might find from your own childhood!

31 comments :

  1. Oh, this is lovely I think me and matt were recommend to go here. Me and tommy share the same birthday and I had the teddy bear tea set too!

    Jamie-Lee | Glitter Infatuation | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog!

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  2. It sounds really interesting, I'd like to visit one day. Dusty wouldn't look out of place wandering around Essex with a tan like that! There's a children's book museum in Newcastle called Seven Stories that you'd probably like, I heard about it while I was at uni and keep meaning to go :) xx

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    1. I thought that about Dusty too! I'll look into Seven Stories.

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  3. This looks amazing! :)
    I really want to go!

    x

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  4. This looks like a really good, different day out!
    You're right, nobody likes Soo, she was annoying!
    x

    Emily / Glittery Teacups

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  5. Great photography - it looks really interesting! :)
    www.theemeralddove21.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. lovely photos and I also cried a little when I read the caption about Tommy - love these posts, as I said previously, do continue! x

    The Best Lipstick for A/W 2013!

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  7. I'm definitely going to go there! I LOVE toys, especially old ones, and especially ones which other people might consider ugly or tatty! I love the stories behind stuff and you're right, nobody likes Soo!

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  8. Very cool! Tommy the Bear was my favorite, followed by the shadow puppets (beautiful). The 18th century doll? That was a little too disturbing!

    I love the back-stories of everything! It really adds another dimension.

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  9. That's such a cool idea for a museum! I'm afraid I'd cry, fly to Neverland and refuse to grow old, haha.

    - Jess
    The Mod Mermaid

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  10. I live right around the corner from here! I love popping in from time to time!

    Big fan of Sooty too - although Butch the dog doesn't get half as much credit as he should!

    Jen xx
    http://kitsch-n-sync.blogspot.com

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    1. I don't know who Butch the dog is! Sorry!

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  11. This is on my 'must see' list..
    Not sure when I will get the chance to go but I'm extrememly jealous!
    I don't know how you wittled down your photos. I would have wanted to post them alllll!

    oOo Becky oOo

    BKY Bubble oOo Beauty, Life, Baby, Bits & Bobs

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    1. I had an insane number of photos! It was so hard to choose!

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  12. How lovely! Looks like such an interesting place! (I didn't like Soo)
    Danielle xo || Lilyofthevalley

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  13. Great pictures - looks like a fab and really nostalgic place!

    Back in 2009, we discovered a similar (but much smaller) place in Scotland on the Isle of Skye called Glendale Toy Museum. It basically someone's house crammed full of all sorts of toys from the last 100 years with free rein to play with whatever you like!

    Unfortunately it closed to the public last year which is very sad as it was such an amazing place :-( x

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    1. Aaw that sounds like a wonderful place. What a shame that it closed down!

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  14. I have no idea how I have never heard of this...!! It looks amazing! I always wanted a Furby when I was younger but I never got one :( noticed they have made their way back into the shops recently though so perhaps it's time to invest!! xx

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    1. DON'T GET A FURBY! They're terrifying! Mine used to move even when I took the batteries out!

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  15. I HAD THAT TEA SET TOO!! I still do actually, it's in the loft for when small people visit. This looks like a fun place to visit! xx

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    1. Haha I think it must have been a popular one!

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  16. I don't think I've been to this Museum but it looks lovely!

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  17. PLEASE TAKE ME THERE, PLEASE? Although, if we could stay away from those creepy bloody dolls that would be great!x

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