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Gollies, originally
termed Golliwogs, understandably became controversial toys and are
still frowned upon today by some as being non-politically correct,
unacceptable caricatures.
Indeed, the name wog is still used
today as an offensive term given to someone of coloured skin. There
are still many black people today who have strong associations between
these types of doll and the biogoted treatment they endured simply as a
result of the colour of their skin.
Without wishing to cause
offence or disrespect to those who have strong views against
them, I have included Gollies in my doll styles pages, since these toys predate Raggedy
Ann and the Teddy Bear as a named character doll.
The
Golly history
reflects the changing attitudes and times in which they were created
compared to those in which they continue to survive today. They
serve to remind us of the past and the progress that we have made.
Many people
nowadays appreciate Gollies simply as a particular style
of cloth doll, with a certain charm of their own. Those who own them
today, do so with great affection and adoration, without the associated
prejudices/ stigma of previous generations.
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When
I made a black rag
doll, I was appalled by people referring to him as 'the token
black' or the 'Golliwog', both of which he was not!
Clearly people
still have much to learn about respecting different cultures and races.
Indeed, there is more to black cloth dollmaking and black people than Gollies and
Mammy dolls. |
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In
1895, Florence K. Upton created the character for her first
children's book The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwog.
Although American, she moved with her British parents to
England, where the book was published when she was 22 years old.
Thirteen books were published between 1895 and 1909 and proved very
popular in the
1920s. Patterns for them were published in popular magazines.
Florence K Upton failed to copyright her character and versions of
the character appeared on plates, clocks, cards, aprons, adverts etc
and in numerous other stories. In the first book the Dutch Peg dolls
initially find Golly frightful and later learn to love him for his
loyalty, charm and warmth.
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Gollies also appear in paintings by Mabel Lucie
Attwell, in
their original design having a long nose.
There were also
Gollies in Enid Blyton’s original ‘Noddy’ books. I
suspect these were very stereotypical, unflattering portrayals.
Consequently, in the 2oth Century, they were deemed improper and
offensive and the character of the Golly was changed accordingly.
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James Robertson
& Sons jam manufacturers adopted the Golly as their trademark in
1910. The Golly label on jars could be traded for badges. Over 20
million badges have been issued and the Golly appeared on the
jam and fruit preserve jars until September 2001 when Robertson
issued its last ever Golly badge. A 9ct. gold plated 'Farewell
Golly' badge in presentation box with certificate.
Collecting Golly ephemera has become a passionate pastime for Golly
enthusiasts.
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The traditional Golly had a blue coat with
tails, red or red and white striped trousers, a white waistcoat, red
bow-tie, fluffy hair
and a generous red and white smile.
Nevertheless, Gollies today also abound with numerous individual
interpretations and even a Golly Girl has appeared. |
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