LONDON, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Favorite toys that have had British children spellbound for generations are featured in a new set of postage stamps issued Tuesday by Royal Mail.
The Classic Toys stamp collection celebrates some of the most iconic and much-loved British toys from the last 100 years
Evoking feelings of nostalgia across generations, the toys featured in the postage stamps include the Merrythought Bear, Sindy Doll, Spirograph, Stickle Bricks, W.Britain Toy Figures, Space Hopper, Fuzzy Felt, Action Man and the construction kit Meccano as well as Hornby Dublo model trains.
"The heyday of the British toy industry remains a magical era, one that shaped childhoods across the generations," said a spokeswoman for Royal Mail, adding: "In the 19th century, the growing middle class of the Victorian era was fuelling an expansion in toy-making and major names in British manufacturing started to appear and compete with foreign makers. These toys remain hugely popular today, a testament to the innovation of the creators."
Royal Mail's Philip Parker said: "British toy makers enjoyed a reputation for quality and innovation, and these nostalgic stamps celebrate ten wonderful toys that have endured through the decades."
The oldest toy, Meccano construction kits, started life in 1898 when Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was trying to source small parts for a model crane that he was making with his sons. Within a few years his Meccano kits were a favorite with kids and still remain popular. Another stamp features one of Hornby's other inventions from 1938, his model trains.
Teddy bears have always been adored by children - and adults - over the generations, and the quintessentially British hand-crafted Merrythought bear, which first appeared in 1930, are still being produced after almost nine decades.
Royal Mail added: "With many of the best-loved toys from the past still with us, or perhaps relaunched after temporary absences, the children of today can still have fun with some of the world's most iconic toys."
