On Monday we were filming an incredible toy collection in Devon. The toys which were made in Brockenhurst are going to be use in a “Jack’s Country” programme that I am making for Christmas.
The factory “Forest Toys” was established by Frank Whittington in 1922 and made hand carved toys which were sold in Harrods, Selfridges and a local store Beales. One of the more famous customers was Queen Mary who when she saw them remarked that they all looked so alive. She ordered 2 dozen sets of the Noahs Arc (which is in the picture below) This purchase was reported in the papers and from then on the the factory was deluged with visitors from all over the world.