New childhood show at Olympia

A new toy fair celebrating 200 years of childhood is to be held in November.

The event, held in The Pillar Hall at Olympia in London, will showcase the finest examples of antique and vintage miniatures, toys and tinplate as well as diecast toys, trains, toy soldiers, teddy bears and soft toys dating from 1750-1950.

In its inaugural year, the London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair 2016 is the brainchild of toy specialist Daniel Agnew and Hilary Pauley of the Teddybear-Museum. Both are passionate enthusiasts and are keen to use the fair as a platform to educate and preserve everything that is special about these survivors of past childhood.

Mr Agnew says: “We wanted to re-establish the UK as a centre for dealing and collecting antique dolls, teddy bears, and toys. By bringing this high profile and international event to London’s Olympia we hope to reignite a market that was buzzing in the 1970s and 1980s, and we believe that a platform such as this will encourage a new generation of collectors. “

The fair, being opened by Bunny Campione of Antiques Roadshow fame, will run from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 20th November.
If you fancied making more of a weekend of your trip to London then why not consider attending one of the seminars being held in conjunction with the toy fair. Or even attend the champagne reception and gala dinner!

More details can be found at www.200yearsof childhood.com.