Collecting Dragons

With the kids now having broken up for the summer holidays and parents tearing their hair out trying to decide how to keep them occupied, my thoughts have turned to the recently launched Taunton Deane Dragon trail.

There have been sightings all around town of these brightly coloured dragons these last few weeks, although they are so attractive that I've been rather dismayed at the 'keep off signs'; as an adult I can barely resist climbing aboard, so goodness knows how one might control a toddler!

Dragons have been part of our mythology for hundreds of years, inspiring both fear and hatred on the one hand, and considered divine guardians on the other. They are popular as collectables but I soon discovered, to my regret, that the breadth of those that are available is enormous.

Certain brands are considered more collectable than others so to kick start you off here are some of the fashionable brands you might look for;-

Enchantica began with with Holland Studio Craft (HSC), in 1987 and was taken over by Royal Doulton from 1996, until sold again in 2005 to Xystos. In addition to producing figurines they also sell books and many of the figures are modelled after characters in the stories. Enchantica dragons are considered to be top quality for collectors. Special pieces might include:-

• Paint trials: test pieces where colours are tried out before production
• Artist proofs (A/P): pieces painted for shows, where few were released for sale.
• Pattern pieces: painted by the senior artist and used by other artists as a reference for the production pieces (each piece is hand painted).

These pieces are not considered part of a production run, so they will not be numbered or have a certificate, but as always be cautious and check provenance and authenticity.
If a piece was re-painted by a professional painter such as Tina Sherratt and Caroline Briggs, it will generally be worth more.

Dragonsite is a new high-quality label, and Andrew Bill who helped to launch Enchantica and was one of their primary sculptors, now works for them. Included under the Dragonsite label are the Verbum Magnus, Hap Henriksen Resurrection and Nene Thomas fairies ranges.Danbury Mint makes three different sets of dragons, including 6 large Treasure dragons and the four elemental dragons (earth, air, water and fire), and 12 small fabulous dragons All sculpted by John Woodward who was himself an Enchantica sculptor. He is now retired, so his work is increasingly sought after.

Franklin Mint is based in the USA, and produce a wide range of collectables. Their dragon range is sculpted by famous fantasy artist Michael Whelan. His work is numbered and certificated, Fanklin Mint also produce a new range of bronze dragons, which tend to be more expensive, based on works by Julie Bell and Boris Valejo.

Where pricing is concerned, the bigger the piece the more expensive it is, and if the piece you are buying needs to be shipped or posted do take out insurance as breakages are common.

Dinky Toys

As the summer gets fully under way, and the offspring, now free from the fetters of education, fly the nest, many parents will be tearing down the teenage posters, all too keen to paint the walls a fetching shade of magnolia, ready to transform their teenagers’ bedroom into something more suitable for the occasional visitor to sleep in.

It is also likely, that whilst too good to throw away, old and much loved toys will be packed up and stored in the loft, ready for the next generation to arrive.

Amongst them may well be Dinky Toys passed down from previous generations. They may be small but they remain big business for collectors, so before climbing up to the attic, sorting through them could reveal treasures worthy enough to fetch thousands of pounds; enough to pay for the re-decoration perhaps?

Dinky Toys is one of the most famous names. Started by Meccano, they were originally miniature models of vehicles, made at their factory in Liverpool, England from 1935 to 1979.  

Initially six vehicles were produced, all cast in lead (series 22, designated from a to f); a sports car, sports coupe, a truck, delivery van, a farm tractor and a tank. Thereafter different series soon began to appear as they increased the range of models.

These early versions were inaccurate representations, with die-cast bodies, chassis and wheels with rubber tyres. By the end of 1935 there were around 200 different models, including ships, aeroplanes and small trains, available in packs of six. Individual boxes were not introduced until 1952, which is useful to know when trying to date your finds.

Company liveries began to be used to decorate the vehicles, although production was halted for the factory to concentrate on the war effort between 1941 and 1945.

There were also problems in the early days with zinc pest, causing the metal to crumble prematurely, so it is rare to find surviving examples from this time that are in good condition. 

Unboxed items in good condition can still be bought for a few pounds, but rare models can go for thousands, as a look at their official site shows. Super toys and commercials are especially sought after. An early delivery van from 1937 sold for £10,000 in 1994.

There are so many different types of Dinky Toys to collect that most collectors prefer to focus on one particular area, which could be planes, military, TV collectables or sports cars.

Although the internet is a good source, many collectors though still favour swapmeets that allow the models to be examined more closely before buying. Technology, along with innovation and competition from abroad, meant that well-produced traditional British toys like Dinky Toys were destined to meet their eventual demise. The factory finally closed its doors in November 1979, with other well known companies such Corgi Toys and Matchbox, eventually following suit, as the companies were sold to foreign investors.

The History of British Dinky Toys 1934-1964 by Cecil Gibson is a must have for serious collectors, but even in its paperback form a new copy, if you can find one, will set you back £50.

Publishing Letters From Women

It was with a high degree of interest that I listened to reports this morning of concern over the small number of women who appear in the letters pages of our printed media. In my particularly case, given my frequent appearances, it is a cause of wry amusement; on occasion readers have even been known to complain about my prolific output. One can listen to all of the arguments about gender imbalance, and the fact that women just don't have the time to write, but this is plainly codswallop. In my particular case, I spend a lot of time in the car, and rather than listen to music, I prefer to hear what's going on in the world, hence my passion for BBC Radio 4. On reaching my destination, I have had the opportunity to shout out my opinion of whatever the hot topic of the day happens to be, in the privacy of my own car. By then I have also already formed the letter I want to write in my mind. Writing it down, and sending it out into the wider world, is the most blessed relief; the perfect way to relieve pent up frustration at the injustices of this world. If, and when, my penmanship is published, there is also the satisfaction of knowing that I may influence others, even if it is only to respond in disagreement; rather that than apathy. It certainly saves bashing my head against the wall, or beating up the cat. By the way, this took me less than 10 minutes to write. There are those who may say, 'I can see that it did by the lack of quality.' Who cares? Not me that's for sure.

Remembering Fallen Heroes

As we come up to 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 our thoughts move on from the marking of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy on 6th June 1944, 70 years ago, or so I thought. 
In England we were fortunate enough not to have suffered German occupation but for the French it was another matter altogether. For them D-Day was just the beginning of something they had waited years for - liberation.
This came home to me during a visit to Normandy this last weekend, when I discovered that across the area, on successive days, local villagers were celebrating and commemorating the anniversary of their individual liberation as the allied troops moved south from the site of the D-Day landings. Representatives of local communities gathered at the British Cemetery in St. Charles de Percy to mark the momentous day upon which their communities once again belonged to them. The site itself, donated by the French government in gratitude, provides a moving final resting place for those who fell in pursuit of freedom. I was honoured to be invited along to witness veteran Gunner Colin Yate, age 92, and who served in the 153rd Field Regiment of the Leicestershire Yeomanry lay a wreath at the site, where many of his comrades are buried, including just one from the Somerset Light Infantry, Private T V Kendall. The graves here mark soldiers, sailors and airmen who were ambushed by the German Panzers as they made their way south. The youngest was just 17. For me, a salutary lesson in the futility of war; one we seem not to have learned from but which is forever in the minds of those whose lives were saved.  
 

Collecting Poppies

As the 100^th anniversary of the start of WW1 is being commemorated this week, I have been thinking about that symbol familiar to us all, the poppy.  

I first began to consider poppies, and their significance, when collecting items for a ‘poppy’ tombola as part of fund raising activities held last year to collect money for the Royal British Legion, which was celebrating its 80^th anniversary.

It was only then, as I hunted high and low in shops and car boots sales, that I began to realise just how popular poppies are as collectables. I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for a theme, and when it comes to poppy collectables the choice is vast; there is certainly no shortage of items available at all price levels, whether vintage or new. Jewellery items can range from commemorative watches with a ‘poppy’ wristband, to bracelets, brooches, rings and also crosses.

A recent search of household bits and pieces on one online site, which has over 24,000 items up for grabs, has produced curtains, bed linen, cushions, pictures and china ..... the list is endless.  

The gardeners amongst us may feel that poppies should only be seen in their natural environment, but even here there is also plenty of opportunity for variety. In addition to the traditional red poppy, the blue Himalayan poppy is increasingly popular, and packs of mixed seeds can be had for as little as 99p.

Caught up in the excitement of the moment, I have just ordered a 1940s style polka dot poppy tea dress in a show of solidarity, ready for the week ahead.

	Forgive the self-indulgence here, but poppies were the first flowers to grow on the soldiers’ graves on the battle fields of Flanders, and they also provided the inspiration behind this World War 1 poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, by John McCrae.

In Flanders Field

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Collecting Moomins

I must confess that ‘Moomins’ as collectables had almost completely passed me by. Until that is, I happened to listen in to a radio programme that covered the 100^th anniversary of the birth of their Finnish creator, Tove Jansson. Now it would seem that every time I mention Moomins to someone they respond with, ‘Oh yes, I know several people that collect them.’

So, to make up for lost time, this week I have been delving into the world of these delightful creatures, and their talented creator, Tove Jansson.

Jansson was a pictorial artist and author whose first book was published in 1945. Today her books have been translated into 44 languages, and the first TV animation, created in 1969, has since been aired in over 100 countries.

To mark the anniversary special ‘Jansson 100 centenary’ events will be held throughout the year, across many countries, including the UK.

Throughout her life, Tove Jansson, who died in 2001 at aged 86, demonstrated a multi-faceted creative talent, becoming one of the key artists in Finnish visual art during the post-war golden age of modernism.

Most widely known for having created the Moomins, her immense international success has made her one of the best-known Finnish artists in the world.

Born in the Katjanokka district of Helsinki Jansson grew up in an artist family whose open-minded and bohemian home atmosphere encouraged her to search for her own artistic expression. Her modeling assignments for her father, who was a well known sculptor, included modeling for the bronze sculpture ‘Convolvulus’ in Kaisaniemi Park, and for the mermaid in the sculpture ‘Water Nymphs’, which can be seen next to the Espa Stage in Esplanade Park. 

Jansson went on to study art in Stockholm and Helsinki, in addition to seeking inspiration from Paris and Italy.

At the age of 30, she rented an attic studio in the heart of Helsinki, which soon became the home where she lived and worked in the autumn and winter. She would spend her summers on the tiny island of Klovharu in the Gulf of Finland; her love of the sea can be seen in the diversity of her art.

She occupied her turret studio for 60 years, and it was here, that she created her most renowned paintings and texts, and where she completed her first book featuring Moomintroll.

The first Moomin book,The Moomins and the Great Flood, appeared in 1945,  published in Swedish and illustrated by Jansson herself. The book introduced Moomintroll and the others inhabitants of Moomin Valley, kick starting a series that became the most visible and widely known aspect of her artistic career.

The Moomins are a tight-knit family — hippo-shaped creatures with easygoing and adventurous outlooks. The artwork on the comic strips is pared down and precise in composition, but provides beautiful portraits of ambling creatures in fields of flowers or rock-strewn beaches that are reminiscent of their Nordic background.

The comic strip found its audience amongst adults that continue to appreciate its gentle, droll, and yet whimsical sense of humour. House guests who overstay their welcome, modern art, movie stars, and high society; all topics that have captured the imagination of an international audience. 

Of interest to collectors of Moomin memorabilia, which includes a plethora of kitchenalia, pictures, ornaments, mugs books, and so much more........

London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts is hosting an exhibition this year, presenting original unseen photographs and material relating to her life and work, along with illustrated books and early first editions.

Examples of her Moomin comic strips published by the London Evening News in the 1950s and syndicated across the globe that helped make the Moomins a worldwide success will also be on show.

STAYING ON TRACK - COLLECTING SCALEXTRIC

I never cease to be amazed by how one seemingly insignificant conversation can have such an impact on the subjects I choose to explore for readers of this column. Or how much of a minefield it can open up, revealing in full my ignorance of the chosen topic.

This was the case recently with Scalextric cars. I had of course heard of them but when a little research threw up the term ‘slot car’ I knew I was in for trouble.

‘Slot cars’, of which Scalextric is just one version, are miniature powered cars or other vehicles whose movement is guided by a groove or ‘slot’ in the track on which it runs, held in place by a pin or blade on the underside of the car.

Whilst they are sometimes used to form part of scenic traffic layouts the vast majority are used in the (very) competitive hobby of slot car racing.

As one might expect nowadays, there are several clubs and websites dedicated to the sport.

In the case of Scalextric, it wasn’t until 1957 that Minimodels (UK) took the decision to convert its Scalex 1:30 clockwork racers to electricity, unveiling their new product at Harrogate Toy Fair. Thus what we know and love as the famous Scalextric was born.

Along with rival company, Victory Industries, which introduced its VIP line around the same time, Scalextric began using the newly developed plastic-molding technology to provide controllable slot racers for the mass market. The cars had authentic sturdy tin-plated bodies and were soon converted to the now familiar 1:32 scale.

Vince Albani, who hails from Norfolk, has a Scalextric collection of 850 cars that he began amassing as a child in 1967, and collectors can make a killing.

The first set to go on sale, which included a Ferrari 375 and Maserati 250F, cost the princely sum of £5 17s 6d (£5.87½p). Still in its original box it can now fetch £500.  

It was, however, in the 1960s that plastic models came onto the market, and because of their less durable nature they are much rarer and therefore the most collectable. A 1964 C70 Bugatti Type 59 can be worth as much as £3,000.

Unlike some of its competitors, Scalextric concentrated most of their efforts on producing Grand Prix racing models.

It is generally accepted that there was a dip in quality in the 1970s and 80s, but with the increased interest of serious adult collectors there has been a shift towards quality in recent years.

For those thinking of starting a collection, basic sets can be had for around £50, and the latest models of cars being driven by Button, Hamilton and their ilk cost around £35 each. As is often the case with collectables, unused vehicles, still in their original boxes will always fetch higher prices, and are of most interest to investors.

Colour can also be a major factor, with yellow models tending to be the rarest.