Our toy collection contains a wide range of unusual glasses, and Tim models a few of them here. Some are merely playful, and designed to amuse the onlookers, such as the glasses that contain two spooky staring eyes.
There have been a number of retail toys that are effectively selling 'nothing'. Whether it is an air guitar, or a box with zero volume, these are all triumphant examples of the saying that 'less is more'.
A new and novel design of pen. Push the button, and the pen unfolds in sloooow motion, a little bit like a rocket launcher (if you use your imagination!)
This ring is cleverly designed, so that when you turn it on your finger, it seems to be getting bigger. If you turn it the other way, it appears to be getting smaller. Amazing.
On a recent trip to Paris (Spring 2008) we were on the lookout for any unusual toys or novelties. There are quite a few interesting items that are made in France, and not always exported.
Lithophane means 'light in stone'. Popular in Europe in the 1850s, these were often made of porcelain. In normal light there is nothing much to see. But when the lithophane is back-lit, a beautiful image appears, with amazing detail.