Meccano sets sail
A special exhibition entitled ‘Toy Boats’ will take place at the National Maritime Museum from May 1 to October 31, with Meccano taking centre stage.
The free exhibition will use catalogues, posters, games and photographs to lead visitors on a journey through the history of toy boats. Meccano will sponsor a special interactive section devoted to European-made toy boats from 1850–1950.
Included in this will be modern Meccano sets, which visitors can use to make vintage-style boats using the exhibits as inspiration.
Exhibition curator Kristian Martin said: “This exhibition is a glimpse into a bygone era, when every town had a boating lake and children learned about Britain as a maritime nation through toy boats.
“Visitors will be taken on a journey that reveals the rapidly changing world and developments in children’s toy boats, of which Meccano was a pioneer. ”
Meccano’s Sue Barrat commented: “Meccano has played a small but important part in British maritime history and it’s important that we celebrate the brand’s heritage through exciting collaborations with prominent organisations like the National Maritime Museum.”
“Meccano has come a long way from its traditional nuts and bolts construction sets. Many parents and grandparents remember the sets from their childhood and it’s important to celebrate the traditional element and longevity of the brand, whilst reaching out to a new generation of parents and children in a fun and engaging way.”
