The thematic collections
Explore four ways of looking at vintage toy design—from clockwork ingenuity to the character of a hand-painted figure.
A thematic digital gallery. Images are original AI-generated illustrations, not photographs of verified physical holdings.
01 / Motion & invention
A turn of a key, a stored-up spring, and a simple action becomes a small performance. Mechanical toys reveal the pleasure of making movement visible and understandable.
This theme explores the relationship between ingenious mechanisms and expressive design, from the rhythm of a walking character to the delicate motion of a wind-up animal.
02 / Visions of tomorrow
Boxy bodies, curious antennae, and faces full of personality: toy robots make ideas about the future feel tangible and approachable.
Our robot theme looks at the contrast between mechanical form and expressive character. Painted panels, metallic finishes, and simple shapes create a distinctive language of playful invention.
03 / Worlds in miniature
A tiny vehicle can hold a surprising amount of design. The curve of a roof, the spacing of the wheels, and a flash of silver trim can suggest a whole world beyond its scale.
This theme follows the charm of miniature transport, considering how toy-makers simplify familiar forms while preserving the details that make them instantly recognizable.
04 / Character & storytelling
A tilted head, a painted expression, or an unexpected pose can give a tiny figure a story. These objects show how much personality can emerge from a few carefully chosen details.
Our figures theme explores character through form, surface, and material, celebrating the imaginative worlds that painted and articulated toys can suggest.
Have a question about the gallery or a toy design story to share? We’d love to hear from you.