Tales from the Toybox

The Meccano Doll’s House

Pollocks Toy Museum on September 12, 2025

To celebrate London Open House Festival, Tales from the Toybox takes a tour behind the facade of a doll’s house from an unexpected maker, Meccano.

Open up a box of traditional Mexican toys with museum volunteer Juliana Arce Camiade, and discover the massive impact of miniatures.

The museum would love to hear stories from anyone who worked for Barton’s toy factory in New Addington.

The Pearly Queen and King dolls were loaned to a British folk costume exhibition in East London in 2024.

Lettice Kemp on March 21, 2024

Past event: Puppets of Croydon’s musical superstars join the Carnival of Croydon in March 2024.

Debby Brown on December 19, 2023

Redington’s Rooms to Let, the ultimate little house for a mouse returns to the Pollock’s Toy Museum shop

Debby Brown on May 16, 2023

An introduction to the Barton’s toy factory in Croydon, which produced an extensive range of miniature furniture for dolls houses and more.

David Powell on April 24, 2023

Expert David Powell shares a personal introduction to the history and influence of the toy theatre.

Alan Powers on April 5, 2023

Past event: Our Neptune toy theatre visited the Stradling Collection in Bristol for the Toys and Tales exhibition in 2023.

Alan Powers on March 23, 2023

What is the difference between puppetry and toy theatres? Historian Alan Powers explains all.