Sometimes a book which you expect to be one thing turns out to another. Such a book for me has been this one ‘Toy-Making In School & Home’ by R.K. & M.I.R. Polkinghorne from The County Secondary School Streatham. This copy is from 1939 but it’s an older book than that, first published in 1916 and the book’s timings give it extra poignancy.
I’m intending to write several posts about this book because it has several stories to tell. But to begin at the beginning.
The Contents page begins with smallest toys that can be made from one square of paper through matchboxes, cardboard and cork to wooden mechanical toys using a range of woodworking techniques. What makes this particularly interesting is that The County Secondary School in Streatham (founded on 1906, relocated in 1913) was for girls and the book offers a fascinating insight into the educational philosophy underpinning it.
What do girls get out of this type of work? What do they think about it? The book opens with an attempt to capture the girls views….
It’s hard not be impressed…more to follow.
The Solitary Reader 