Archives
The V&A Museum of Childhood holds a range of archive collections relating to different aspects of childhood. These include a large amount of material from toy and children’s clothing manufacturers and from individuals involved in the toy industry, as well as collections relating to schools and education. The archives have been collected by the Museum over a number of years, and are currently in the process of being fully catalogued and made more accessible.
The type of material contained in the archive collections includes catalogues and other promotional and advertising material, designs and technical drawings, photographs and transparencies, correspondence, press cuttings, school work and school reports. The archive collections document the history of the British toy-making industry, of product design, manufacturing and advertising, as well as the history of education and of childhood more broadly.
Accessing the archives
The archives are located at the Museum of Chilhood, Bethnal Green. More details on how to find us and our facilities see Visit Us.
Access to the archives is by prior appointment only, during usual office hours. If you wish to visit the archive, please contact the archivist at i.hopkins@vam.ac.uk or telephone on 020 8983 5216.
Researchers will be asked to register, and to provide two forms of identification.
Download the Conditions of access (119KB.pdf)
Download the Researcher registration form (102KB.pdf)
Archive collections
The archive collections at the Museum of Childhood are currently being fully catalogued. Summary lists are available for some collections. More information and catalogues will be added to the list below as they become available.
Archive collections relating to toy manufacturers
For more information about specific manufacturers, visit the Toy manufacturers pages
(Cyril) Paul Abbatt (d.1971) and (Norah) Marjorie Abbatt (1899-1991), toy manufacturers and educationalists, company records and personal papers, ca.1905-1980s
A more detailed description of this collection is currently being prepared.
Lines Bros. Ltd., toy manufacturer, records, 1881-1971
The Mettoy Company plc., toy manufacturer, press cuttings and advertisements, 1950-1970
Other archive collections
Lebus, Anthony Harvey Hart (b.1914; d.1983), businessman, family papers, 1896-1946
Includes personal letters from Anthony to his parents relating to his experiences at school and university, examples of school work and school reports and photographs.
A full description of this collection is currently being prepared.
