Lot Number 384

Seven vintage Robertson's advertising figures comprising musicians, footballers and lollipop man, predominantly contained in original shipping boxes, some with paperwork. [W] These items are listed on the basis they are illustrative of a bygone culture in which there were different social norms. We understand the potential controversy surrounding this type of item but believe that providing transparent information about historical context fosters greater understanding of our complex cultural history. Originally handmade by mothers in Africa for their children from old fabric and cloth, the golly doll was adopted as the mascot and trademark for the Robertson's confectionery brand around 1910 after the company's founder John Robertson visited the US and noticed children playing with them. Robertson's Gollies have been collected by people across the UK and around the world for generations but garnered a contentious image in the 1980s because of links to racism. The trademark was removed from Robertson's branding in 2001.