- in the Sixties. Take a look at 1960’s teenage life, as seen through Sindy and her friends, Britain’s top vintage teenage fashion doll.

‘the doll you love to dress’

Sindy’s launch by Pedigree in 1963 coincided with the emergence of the British teenager as a serious consumerand gave children the chance to emulate the exciting lives of their older teenage friends or siblings.

Through Sindy there were worlds to discover; her lifestyle and fashions reflected this period of huge change and great optimism. ‘Sindy in the Sixties’ takes you through the popular social history of the period via the dolls, their clothes and accessories, proving that she was more than just a toy.

Today Sindy is a highly collectable vintage fashion doll who tells us lots about 1960’s teenage life in a way that is fun and unique.

This fascinating display will appeal to children and adults, 60’s enthusi-asts, cultural historians, doll collectors and anyone who has an interest in fashion history.

Created by Helen Carter in association with the V&A Museum of Childhood and the University of East London.

‘The Boutique Revolution’Swinging London was the cen-

tre of the new wave of boutique shopping.

Man About TownSharp fashions were not just

for girls! In the 1960s the guys got groovy too.

‘What do you want to be when you grow

up?Find out more about what 1960s children

dreamed of being when they were

older.

Sindy was Britains first teen-age doll with ‘with it’ outfits that could be purchased to dress her. Take a look at some of her trendy ‘Gear’ and how it really was just like in the fashion magazines.

‘Hanging out’What did 1960’s teenagers do to have fun in their spare time - and with their hard

earned cash?

®

1st October 09 - 18th January 2010

In the Sixties

1960’s teenage life,

seen through Sindy, Britain’s

top teenage vintage fashion

doll!

Did you know?...........Sindy was released in September 1963, initially just in the London area, where sales were so fast that makers Pedigree couldn’t produce enough dolls or outfits!

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road London E2 9PA

Museum switchboard 020 8983 520024 hour information 020 8983 5235www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

ADMISSION FREEOpen daily10.00 until 17.45Last admission 17.30

SHOP10.00 until 17.30Selling toys, gifts and books.

BENUGO’S CAFÉ AT THE MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD10.00 until 17.00Serving superb lunches, freshly made sandwiches and salads, delicious cakes and award-winning coffee.

Assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. The Museum is wheelchair accessible

HOW TO FIND THE MUSEUM

Tube: Bethnal Green, Central Line, Zone 2.Buses: D6, 106, 254, 309 and 388 stop outside, 8, 26, 55 and 48 stop nearby.Rail: Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations.

A drop-off point and parking for two coaches on Cambridge Heath Road.

Free parking can be arranged for visitors with specific access needs. Limited metered parking on surrounding roads Monday – Friday.

INFORMATION

In 1963 Sindy cost £22/6 in ‘old’ money (pre decimalisation). The equivalent price

today is approx £35.00!

In the mid 1960’s Sindy belonged to a group called ‘The Sindy Set’. Shown here clockwise from top are her boyfriend Paul (named after the famous Beatle?) her ‘continental’ girlfriend Mitzi, sister Patch and English girlfriend Vicki.

Sindy’s first 6 outfits in 1963 were designed by famous ‘swinging sixties’

fashion designers Sally Tuffin and Marion Foale, pictured, who had a London design

business called ‘Foale & Tuffin’.

Sindy had her own little dog called Ringo (also named after a famous Beatle?) which she liked to carry around in a similar way to today’s celebs!

Between 1963 and 1970, Sindy and her girlfriends (who could wear her clothes) were

given 67 outfits and separates! Most outfits came with accessories, even if it was just a

matching headband, as shown here.

Pedigree were very proud of Sindy, who quickly became Britains best selling doll, and was awarded the coveted ‘Girls Toy Of The Year’ award in 1968 and 1970.

Sindy had a very healthy English Rose ‘girl next door’ look, and a slim but athletic figure. Her

measurements were equivalent to 33-24-34 which would make her a size 10. Sindy’s persona

was that of a city girl, independent but with a boyfriend, and her occupation was as a fashion

designer with her own Boutique. Lucky girl! at Bethnal Greenwww.museumofchildhood.org.uk

Helen Carter is Programme Leader of the Fashion Design pro-grammes at the University of East London, a practising de-signer and a Vintage Sindy collector. She has already written features on Sindy and is considered an expert in the field. For more copies of this brochure please contact 020 8223 2517.

www.uel.ac.uk/ava