#fredaskinner

Abbatt Toys Small (beer mat sized) puzzle from Abbatt, designed I think by Freda Skinner, a pupil of Henry Moore, who designed many of the early puzzles for Abbatt. The modernist architect Erno Goldfinger designed their distinctive logo, but these is a strong suspicion he may have ‘borrowed’ this from Nathalie Parain’s images for her cut-out book for her 1930 Album du Pere Castor. #abbatt #abbatttoys #pony #fredaskinner #henrymoore #hampsteadinthe30s #ernogoldfinger #modernism #nathalieparain #perecastor

Mariners Freda Skinner An early 1930s play puzzle designed by Freda Skinner for Abbatt Toys, although uncredited to Abbatt on the puzzle. She studied under Henry Moore before a career in sculpture, teaching for many years at Kingston School of Art. This piece is in the V&A, I wish I had one! #fredaskinner #abbatttoys #sculpture #mariners #kingstonschoolofart #modernism #midcenturymodern

Limousine Abbatt Toys One of their earliest designs that remained in production for many years. Possibly designed by Freda Skinner, but I'm sure someone out there will know. These puzzles are difficult to date, unless you have multiple copies of the same design to compare, but this one has thicker ply than most, so perhaps an early example from the 1930s. #limousine #limo #abbatt #puzzle #paulandmargeryabbatt #fredaskinner #midcenturymodern #modernism