Black Dolls: The Power of Representation

Films like Black Panther are finally giving children of Black heritage empowering superheroes that look like them – but it’s been a long wait.

We’ve joined forces with the National Trust to launch an exhibition exploring Black dolls and childhood through the 20th and 21st centuries at National Trust Museum of Childhood, Sudbury Hall, Sudbury, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT from 16 June to 4 November 2018, open daily from 11am-5pm – including the controversial Golliwogs of the past and today’s Black Barbies.

The exhibition is called ‘Black Dolls: The Power of Representation’ and it’s aimed at all ages and communities, including families. Featuring both historical and contemporary dolls from the Museum of Childhood’s unique collection, the exhibition will take a revealing look at how Black people are represented by Black dolls and Black characters in children’s books – and their impact on childhood and beyond. It will also include Black dolls and children’s books from Museumand’s own collection, from both Britain and the Caribbean.

The Museum of Childhood’s collection of Black dolls includes dolls from a range of countries and girl, boy and adult dolls in a variety of fabrics and materials – from antique and vintage dolls to 21^st century examples.