Our latest update is mostly to do with stories connected to Sindy. We are always glad to capture these so that they don’t get lost in time.
Our first story relates to the Pedigree factory itself and we have a new article which presents the 1974 Pedigree information brochure, which is full of wonderful photos of the factory and a particularly nice one of all the Sindys. The brochure sets out an overview of the production of dolls which is really interesting, and includes photos of the people, production processes, and other products such as the soft toys made at Canterbury.
The Sindy Project page, the story of Sindy’s development and launch has been tweaked to include how Pedigree found Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, and who actually compèred the Sindy fashion show at Sindy’s retailer launch on the 6th September 1963.
The Sindy Project – her development and launch
Barbara Mansfield’s article has been extended:
Firstly, to include a little more about the samples and the quality assurance process in liaison with the Far East.
Secondly, to include the story of Charlotte, and her visit to the Pedigree factory in 1978. It was her sister-in-law, Heather, who wrote to the museum to tell us that Charlotte had been one of the little girls, who had visited the Pedigree factory after writing to Jim’ll Fix It, and would we like to see her Sindy doll and outfit? When we first wrote down Barbara’s story, we did ponder with her as to whether any of the outfits or dolls survived? So we were very excited to hear from Heather, and Barbara was delighted. Of course we said yes please!! Charlotte’s story has now been added, together with her Sindy, her own outfit and her T-shirt. We would have loved to seen the Pedigree factory for ourselves and it’s a lovely addition to Sindy’s history. It’s just amazing that Charlotte kept everything and that they are still very precious to her. Her sweet doll in the outfit she designed, and which Barbara made, is the featured photo for this post.
Barbara Mansfield Sindy Fashion Designer 1974 – 1985
Barbara also recalled the issue with the 1982 ‘Free n Easy’ (Ref 44120) outfit and the story about Liberty’s of London not being very happy with Pedigree so closely matching one of their own fabrics. A story we had heard about, but which we could not prove. So we have updated this outfit entry.
1982 Sindy Outfits and Separates
Lastly, Lynne contacted us to share her observation that the Mam’selle ‘Miss Cortina’ (Ref DR 386) dress could also be found with a black painted Newey popper. This entry has been amended.
We don’t mind if an addition is big or small, because everything adds to Sindy’s story and we thank everyone who helped us with this update.
