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UEL academic displays iconic Sindy in the Swinging Sixties

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Sindy in the Swinging Sixties

A University of East London (UEL) academic will be exhibiting a display of British vintage fashion doll Sindy - in celebration of the doll’s popularity during the 'Swinging Sixties' at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green this October.

Helen Carter, Programme Leader of Fashion Design at UEL will be exploring how the launch of Pedigree’s 'doll you love to dress' in 1963 coincided with the explosion of youth culture in the 1960’s - proving that Sindy was more than just a toy.

The display will feature many examples of vintage 1960s Sindy dolls, her friends and the fashions and accessories of that time. It also highlights how these relate to this period of huge change and revolutionary ideas.

Invented by Pedigree, Sindy’s ‘persona’, was of a boutique owner and fashion designer with a very enviable lifestyle. This included her boyfriend ‘Paul’ and made her very popular as children saw her as the idol of older friends and siblings.

Vintage Sindy collector and expert, Helen said: "This is a fascinating display, using imagery from the 1960's to illustrate teenage life, fashion and 'pop' culture. Sindy dolls were very 'with it' compared to today’s dolls. The first six outfits were designed by Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, who were iconic designers of that time and a part of the start of the Sixties cultural and fashion revolution."

“The fashions of the Sindy era have a significant impact as they are often worn as vintage pieces by younger teenagers today, or as revival fashion trends.  Also the clothes and related objects can be reminiscent of what some people were wearing when they were young themselves.”

Sindy in the Sixties will be on display at the V&A Museum of Childhood from 1 October 2009 to 18 January 2010. For further information visit the Museum of Childhood's website

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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