Are we a nation of hoarders or can we simply not bear to throw out the things we love? You would imagine the former if the number of TV shows, books and internet sites devoted to hoarding and clutter is a reliable bench mark. However, our recent competition to find our favourite toy collection has given us hope that Britain’s cupboards are not just filled with assorted ephemera that “might come in handy one dayâ€: on the contrary, we are happy to reveal that some homes have rooms, garages and boxes filled with lovingly and passionately gathered collections of contemporary and traditional toys.
Naturally, here at WoodenToyShop we were most interested to see vintage toy collections. We can’t help but be nostalgic for classics such as toy cars, train sets, old board games and of course teddy bears. We loved this entry
which is part of the entrant’s collection that is stored in her dining room. Well, you would never be stuck for conversation at dinner parties, although it would no doubt be difficult to keep your guests seated.
Those of us who enjoyed (and who didn’t?) playing with toy trains will appreciate this entry
which started off as a clockwork Triang Hornby set and circle of track in 1970.
Many entries showcased more recent toys, often with film or television tie ins. Disney has long been popular with children and adults and this collection of soft toys
impressed us all. If you look carefully enough, at least one of those characters will be looking at you!
One particular Disney entry that caught the eye was a fabulous set of Lilo and Stich cuddly toys and accessories.
This entrant is devoted to Lilo and Stitch would appear to know no bounds as she revealed the wonderful fact that her wedding dress was made from fabric with Stitch on.
Some collectors look far afield for something different and if you are looking for original and unusual toys then a visit to Japan, either online or even for real, will open up a whole world of collectible toys. Japanese teenagers are famous around the world for their fads and crazes. We are all familiar with Hello Kitty, but that range is just one of many colourful and stylish toys available. Take a look at these entries from a collector who clearly loves modern Japanese toys.
Remember the robots in disguise? We did when we received this brilliant entry from a mum whose son is clearly Transformer crazy.
Wow, that looks like a lot of Transformers and a whole load of fun!
Judging competitions is difficult at the best of times, but when you are faced with so many deserving entries it is nigh on impossible. After much consideration and soul searching, we awarded our prize to the gentleman who sent us this photo of his awesome collection of Ghostbusters toys.
This collection took us back to when Ray Parker Junior was top of the charts with the Ghostbusters theme tune and when everyone wanted one of those back packs with the ghost catching guns. But remember folks, never cross the streams!
