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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.