This 1950s model of a garden tea party has several parts: a toy cast-iron
table with an orange plastic umbrella, four yellow cast-iron chairs and
two pairs of girls and boys. The set's original box survives.
Popular furniture
The full-size version of this furniture was made in a type of woven
basketwork known as the Lloyd Loom style. It was painted and varnished to
make it waterproof. The pieces were manufactured under the Utility Scheme
which produced many inexpensive and functional products. The British
government introduced the scheme while rationing was in force during and
after the Second World War. The Lloyd Loom style became popular and was
used throughout the 1950s.
Crescent Toy Company
The miniature set was manufactured by the Crescent Toy Company. They were
based at 6-8 Fountayne Road, South Tottenham. At the time London was a
large centre for toy manufacturing. The company specialised in making
cast-metal toys, including novelty and educational items. Typical products
were farm and zoo animals, farm implements, soldiers, cowboys, Indians and
railway accessories. They also supplied the US and Canadian market
throughout the 1950s.
