From peg dolls and wooden diablos to Meccano sets and space hoppers - everyone had a favourite childhood toy and Milton Keynes Museum would love you to share yours, for use in its new 'Story of Childhood' exhibition.
The current toy display is being moved and expanded and the museum is asking for the objects that you cherished as a youngster.
Perhaps you have a dog-eared teddybear who has been relegated to a box under the bed, or a dolly who is no longer so jolly as she once was.
If you donate them to the museum they will be enjoyed by visitors for years to come, and will form part of the planned 'Story of Childhood' exhibit.
Other themes will include children's dress, books, comics, games, pastimes, outdoor activities and entertainment.
This new permanent display will shine a light on how childhood has changed since the Georgian period, as it takes visitors through the ensuing decades and into the here and now.
“As always, as far as possible, we want to tell these stories from the local perspective, using your favourites accompanied by reminiscences, which is why we are appealing to everyone who lives in the area for unusual and old childhood-related objects and the stories to go with them,” said museum director Bill Griffiths, “Children's clothing can be really evocative of different periods too, and would also be gratefully received.”
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“Additionally, we would like to give a glimpse of your childhood if you come from another part of the world but now live in Milton Keynes,” he added.
The history hub is keen for anyone with a toy, game or item of clothing they think may be of interest to send a photograph by email, together with a few words, explaining what it means to you.
“We will want to show obscure toys as much as the more popular examples, and want to show well-loved examples as much as perfect pieces,” Bill added, “Toys fire up our young imaginations, help us to learn, cheer us up and expand our creativity – all traits that are shared by the museum.
“Please don't let your toys and other items languish on top of the wardrobe, in the garage or in a suitcase. If you have something that you think will enrich the collection, please get in touch.”
If you are able to help, email your images and descriptions to exhibitions@mkmuseum.org.uk
