Jan Edwards wants to form a committee to create a museum of childhood in Ballarat.
FORMER Antique Toy Gallery owner Jan Edwards says a museum of childhood could be formed in Ballarat and is calling for a committee to get the project off the ground.
Ms Edwards ran the Antique Toy Gallery, in Grenville Street South, between 1979 to 1985, and has retained some of the old collection.
But that didn’t mean to say it couldn’t be bigger and more extensive than it was originally, she said.
Ms Edwards believes Ballarat needs another attraction and a Museum of Childhood would be just the thing to fit the bill.
She said the Antique Toy Gallery, before it had to close, had become well known in the community.
“I found people absolutely loved it,” she said.
“It appeals to every age group. It’s nostalgic for older people and for children it’s fascinating. The toys made in the past are every different to the plastic they’re playing with now.”
A Museum of Childhood would include all types of antique toys, antique clothes, nursery furniture and the things children used to have as hobbies and collection.
It would encompass everything from antique baby prams to
model railways.
Ms Edwards said she had a passion for Ballarat, where there was so much heritage to be found.
“I like to think this is something that could be really good for Ballarat,” she said.
“But I can’t do it on my own.”
Ms Edwards said establishing the museum was also a matter of finding the right building to house it in.
“Perhaps we could us the Civic Hall,” was one of her suggestions.
For more information or to get involved, contact Ms Edwards on Ph: 5341 3367.
