A TOY museum is celebrating becoming a much-loved attraction as it marks its 30th birthday.

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum in Trafalgar Street has grown to become one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions, with 2021 attracting among the most visitors to date - despite lockdowns and social distancing earlier in the year.

Chris Littledale, the museum’s founder, said he had wanted to find a space to share his passion for toys and models with others.

He said: “It would be an understatement to say I did not dream of a place to display the beautiful toys and models I had amassed since I was in school in Southsea.

“We worked around the clock in 1991 in our newly-acquired premises under Brighton railway station. I knew and believed that, despite all our worries, we would succeed and grow strong.

“Indeed the last few years have seen our tide of stability and success turn, and what a turn.”

The museum boasts one of the finest exhibitions of toys and models in the world, with some rarely seen on public display as collections of their quality often end up in private hands.

Among the toys are thousands of exhibits from the ‘golden age of toy making’ from the late 19th century to the 1960s, alongside a range of rare and unique models.

As well as encouraging learning for all ages through its educational programmes, which see them invite schools and host guided tours for special interest groups, the museum is also available for hire for performances and special occasions and is one of the quirkier venues for the Brighton Festival Fringe.

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