The Ark has been in the same farming family in Norwich since it was new. The toy was produced c.1890 by AJ Galpin, a toy shop in Norwich which moved to rather grander premises in the town’s Royal Arcade in 1910.
Crosthwaite, of Cloverleaf Home Interiors, said: “In 1923 Galpin’s was bought by a competitor called James Langley, who had a rival toy shop in Norwich. Langley moved all his business into the Royal Arcade. By 1973 Langley’s was the second largest toyshop in England after Hamley’s in London [though this is no longer the case]. It continues to flourish today, still in the Royal Arcade, as part of the Toymaster chain.”
Thirty exhibitors will feature at the fair on Sunday, April 14, at the Barnham Broom Hotel near Norwich including two new members of the association: Julie Crosthwaite with silver and perfume bottles and Mick Lyons with decorative pieces.
