Pollock’s Toy Museum has been a cherished London institution for nearly 70 years, combining a small publishing business and retail shop.

Since early 2024, it has expanded its community focus, engaging children, families, older people, and disadvantaged groups through toys and games as tools for wellbeing.

The museum specialises in toy theatres, an underutilised resource for developing creativity, imaginative play, literacy, and music. Artists contribute to exhibitions and workshops that enrich the collection’s relevance.

Named after Benjamin Pollock, a historic Hoxton Street toy theatre publisher, the museum seeks a larger, long-term home to deepen its Hackney connections and expand educational and cultural outreach alongside local partners.

Alan Powers of Pollocks Toy Museum: “Benjamin Pollock made and sold toy theatres in Hoxton for many years. Now the museum of toys grown from his legacy hopes to bring its timeless inspiration back to Hackney.”