Exhibition celebrates imagination of toy maker

A new exhibition celebrates the wit and imagination of toymaker and inventor Robert Race.

The exhibition, A Moveable Refreshment - Works Old and New by Robert Race, is on display at Museum in the Park in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

A full-time toymaker for over 30 years, Race is famous for taking discarded objects and turning them into moving toys.

The exhibition showcases Race's inventions, which combine humour, fascination and a delight in re-purposing discarded objects and found, recycled and natural materials.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, he said: "I've always been interested in making things. And I got interested in moving folk toys.

"I've travelled into quite a few places in the world where they still make these things, much more than in this country."

Race's career began with dolls' houses and miniature furniture, and over the years has focused on automata and mechanical toys - all of which will be on display in this exhibition.

"You have to react with these pieces in order to see them perform," he explained.

"So unlike many exhibitions in an art gallery, you're encouraged to turn the handles and push the buttons."

Race's inventions have been exhibited widely in Britain, Europe and beyond. His last major exhibition was in Munich in 2022.

The free exhibition at Museum in the Park is open until 8 March.

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