I’ve always been fascinated by toys, and as the years have drifted by, my enthusiasm for them has grown. I haven’t stopped since making my first toys for my children, but having to leave the building trade after a workplace accident had the unforeseen bonus of allowing me to turn my hobby into Sussex Toy Craft (info@sussextoycraft.co.uk)
I enjoy recycling materials wherever possible and believe it makes happier toys. As soon as I’ve done the morning rounds with my small flock of Ouessant sheep, I’m straight into the workshop where the time passes very quickly, so I’m obviously still having fun!
I’ve had enormous pleasure in producing commissions to Victorian patterns for Pollocks Toy Museum, and a special folk toy to feature in Sir Steve McQueen’s recent movie, Blitz. However, my favourite toy is a robot rocket carrier and his faithful robodog. There’s something about the portrayal of robots in the 60’s and 70’s that I find captivating, and this is my take on that era.
My favourite toy as a child is etched in my memory. It was a Hornby tin plate O-gauge clockwork train set. By coincidence, the most popular toys I make now are also trains, but they are of modern rolling stock.
I’ve discovered that children relate to specific models they know from their day to day lives. I frequently take commissions for the same trains in specific liveries from train drivers, which just goes to show that you’re never too old for enchanting handcrafted traditional toys!
Find out more about me:
Website: www.sussextoycraft.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sussextoycraft
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