PAGE FIVE
Between them, the museums in London have the largest and
finest
collection of toys in this country, but some of the provincial
museums also have a good selection, notably Edinburgh and
Brighton. As far as books are concerned, most of the County
Libraries will be helpful in supplying the necessary literature
But
by far the most exciting thing about research into the history
of
toys is to follow up the book reference by a visit to a
museum where
the toys can be seen in real life.
From experience, I know that designing, by which I mean
making
up one s own patterns, is the most thrilling and challenging
part of
toymakmg. The problem of carving out from a dead piece of
fabric
a three-dimensional object with a life of its own, gives
one a
tremendous feeling of satisfaction and achievement. In spite
of the
trials and tribulations—needless to say many will
be encountered
on the way-the satisfaction of creating a toy, and the happiness
on the face of the recipient, is ample reward.