For the child in each and everyone of us. Pollock's Toy Museum is a museum and small toy shop housed in two atmospheric historic buildings in London's Fitzrovia. It is a collection of mainly Victorian toys. On display in six small rooms and two winding staircases are dolls, teddy bears, tin toys, folk toys, toys from around the world, dolls houses, puppet's, toy theatre's, optical toys, toy soldiers and more besides. Pollock's was originally a shop and printers, dating back to the 1850's, based in Hoxton, then a poor quarter of London. Benjamin Pollock's hand printed, constructed and coloured much of the toy theatre material housed in the museum today.
The museum was created and the shop stock re-designed during the 1950's and 60's by Marguerite Fawdry It came to it's current location in the late 1960's where it has remained. The collection has been built up by purchases, donations from friends, family and the public. It is an independent family run concern. It is run more for the benefit of the public and to display the collection than for profit. It should be noted that the museum is housed in two adjoining buildings above the Pollock's Toy Shop. The buildings themselves are of note due to there age (some 200 years old) which, while it certainly adds to the sense of stepping back in time and is the perfect setting for the display, does mean that the museum is NOT wheelchair accessible. The floors are accessed by narrow winding staircases. Although the museum does not cater specifically to the visually impaired, we would suggest this is well worth a visit, accompanied by a carer to assist with the stairs, as much of the collection may be handled. It is close by the British Museum and would add a lighter touch to a combined visit. Even though the address is Scala Street the entrance is on Whitfied Street. It is behind Goodge Street Station.
Location : 1 Scala Street, London W1T 2HL
Transport: Goodge Street (Northern Line). London Buses routes 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, 134 and 390 stop nearby.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 17:00.
Tickets : Adults £6.00. Children £3.00
Concessions £5.00.
Tel: 02076363452
