Toytiques is a young and very much, at present, a 'one man band' business. Robert designs, makes and finishes all our products. Barbara is quality inspector, computer driver, advertising manager and she answers the mail.
All our products are made from wood from sustainable resources. Where a design requires more exotic woods we use materials from our local boatyard that are surplus to the refitting of wooden boats. For safety reasons we buy in some wheels, metal axles and fixings. Robert produces all brass work, rigging and other finishes.
Our work has been inspected by the British Toymakers Guild and accepted as fulfilling their stringent standards. We are also in regular contact with the Trading Standards Office and ask their advice if we wish to use a new raw material in our products - we value our CE mark!
Robert has made models and toys for fun since he could first hold a piece of sandpaper. His great loves are boats and aeroplanes. After a career in the Civil Service he was unfortunately medically retired. After a fortnight at home using the washing machine, vacuum cleaner and cooker he decided to turn his hobby into a business and started designing toys for sale. We now have over 50 original designs.
Barbara spent many years as a teacher in both Infant and Junior schools. She was a stay at home mother in the early years of her child. She learnt display from the Womens. Institute, design, technology and computer work from the Open University and ran a Brownie Pack. Both Robert and Barbara spent many years sailing and varnishing a much loved wooden boat.