Golliwog flap

A collector of golliwog memorabilia today defended putting his collection on display at a museum despite concerns that the items are racist.

Nick Martin, a part-time maintenance worker, has lent 300 items ranging from badges to a teapot for the exhibition being held at the Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham, Hants. . .

John Molyneux, senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth's school of art, design and media, told the Portsmouth News: "This is very much to be regretted as the golly, or golliwog, has very strong racist connotations.

"They were originally a very crude racist stereotype repeated in many children's stories at the height of imperialism when unfortunately overt racism was common in adults and children.

"It is not just an innocent toy and often this issue is not understood by people - and obviously not by the curators and managers of the museum."

Full article here. The article also links to a story from March, when police seized golliwogs from a toy store:

The dolls were removed from a window display at A&E Pettifer's store in the market town of Bromyard, Herefordshire, after a passer-by said they were offensive.

Following an investigation, West Mercia Police said it would not be pressing charges against the owner Donald Reynolds and confirmed the dolls would be returned to him.

More on the history of the Golliwog here.

Posted by David on January 10, 2007 2:30 PM