- 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.

Sindy was Britains first teen- ‘the doll you age doll with ‘with it’ outfits that could be purchased to dress her. love to dress’ Take a look at some of her trendy ‘Gear’ and how it really was just Sindy’s launch by Pedigree like in the fashion magazines. in 1963 coincided with the emergence of the British teenager as a serious consumer and 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 ‘The Boutique Revolution’ Man About Town period of huge change and Swinging London was the cen- Sharp fashions were not just great optimism. for girls! In the 1960s the guys tre of the new wave of boutique ‘Sindy in the Sixties’ takes you shopping. got groovy too. 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 ‘Hanging out’ ‘What do you want to collectable vintage fashion What did 1960’s be when you grow doll who tells us lots about teenagers do up? 1960’s teenage life in a to have fun Find out more about way that is fun and unique. in their spare what 1960s children time - and dreamed of being This fascinating display will appeal to children with their hard when they were and adults, 60’s enthusi- earned cash? older. 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. INFORMATION Did you know?...... ®

Sindy was released in September 1963, V&A Museum of Childhood HOW TO FIND THE MUSEUM initially just in the London area, where sales Cambridge Heath Road were so fast that makers Pedigree couldn’t London produce enough dolls or outfits! E2 9PA

Museum switchboard 020 8983 5200 In 1963 Sindy cost £22/6 in ‘old’ money 24 hour information In the (pre decimalisation). The equivalent price 020 8983 5235 today is approx £35.00! www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Sixties

In the mid 1960’s Sindy belonged to a group ADMISSION FREE Open daily called ‘The Sindy Set’. Shown here clockwise 10.00 until 17.45 from top are her boyfriend Paul (named Last admission 17.30 Tube: Bethnal Green, Central after the famous Beatle?) her ‘continental’ Line, Zone 2. girlfriend Mitzi, sister Patch and English SHOP Buses: D6, 106, 254, 309 and girlfriend Vicki. 10.00 until 17.30 388 stop outside, 8, 26, 55 and Selling toys, gifts and books. 48 stop nearby. Sindy’s first 6 outfits in 1963 were Rail: Cambridge Heath and 1960’s designed by famous ‘swinging sixties’ BENUGO’S CAFÉ AT THE Bethnal Green stations. fashion designers Sally Tuffin and Marion teenage life, MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Foale, pictured, who had a London design A drop-off point and parking 10.00 until 17.00 seen through business called ‘Foale & Tuffin’. for two coaches on Cambridge Serving superb lunches, freshly Heath Road. Sindy, Britain’s made sandwiches and salads, Sindy had her own little dog called Ringo delicious cakes and award- top teenage Free parking can be arranged (also named after a famous Beatle?) which winning coffee. for visitors with specific access vintage fashion she liked to carry around in a similar way to needs. Assistance dogs are welcome in today’s celebs! doll! the Museum. Limited metered parking on

surrounding roads Monday – The Museum is wheelchair Between 1963 and 1970, Sindy and her Friday. girlfriends (who could wear her clothes) were accessible given 67 outfits and separates! Most outfits came with accessories, even if it was just a Helen Carter is Programme Leader of the Fashion Design pro- matching headband, as shown here. 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 Pedigree were very proud of Sindy, who more copies of this brochure please contact 020 8223 2517. quickly became Britains best selling doll, www.uel.ac.uk/ava 1st October 09 - 18th January 2010 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 Green www.museumofchildhood.org.uk