Antique dolls and toys exhibit returns
November 18, 2008
“Wonderland of Toys,” an exhibition of antique dolls and toys from the museum collection
On view Nov. 25 through Dec. 30
For a nostalgic and festive outing, take your family back to the holidays of yore, when children’s playthings didn’t require USB drives. “Wonderland of Toys,” an exhibition of antique dolls and toys from the museum collection, is on view Nov. 25 through Dec. 30.
For the “Wonderland of Toys” exhibit, the museum’s volunteers transform the museum’s atrium into a dazzling tableau of toys, some that date back as far as the 1800s.
Against a backdrop of twinkling lights and tinsel visitors will find life-sized French dolls, Oaxacan carved animals and much more, including:
* The museum’s collection of more than 200 antique dolls and toys donated by the family of the late Marguerite “Peggy” Nystrom in 1987. Among the collection’s exquisite showpieces are Victorian dolls from France, Germany and the United States. Nystrom was an avid collector who lived in Anchorage.
*A charming 30-piece, hand-painted wood Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus from the early 1900s. Albert Schoenhut, a German immigrant, began producing toy pianos in Philadelphia in 1872. His toy production expanded to include dolls, dollhouses, blocks and other wooden toys. By 1904 the company was producing Humpty Dumpty Circus in great numbers. The circus on display in the museum lobby reflects activities, clothing and customs of the past.
*A completely furnished, Victorian-style dollhouse donated by the Hal Horton family.
* More than 100 dolls dressed in costumes from around the world, hung on a giant evergreen tree. Museum docent and costume designer Beth Horton researched the designs and drafted the patterns for these traditional folk costumes, and 30 volunteers brought her designs to life.
These are just some of the features that have made “Wonderland of Toys” such a beloved family tradition.
“Wonderland of Toys” is included with admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors and military, free for ages 17 and younger ($2 suggested donation).
For more information call the Anchorage Museum at 343-4326.
