Golliwog collector defends 'racist' museum display
A collector of golliwog memorabilia today defended putting his collection on display at a museum despite concerns that the items are racist.
Nick Martin, a part-time maintenance worker, has lent 300 items ranging from badges to a teapot for the exhibition being held at the Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham, Hants.
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The characters produced by jam-maker Robertson's have sparked controversy, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, but more recently sales have boomed, with collectors worldwide paying up to £600 for badges.
Mr Martin, 68, said he started collecting the characters as a child and now has a room at his home in Portchester, Hants, dedicated to them.
He said: "They're always happy little chappies and make you smile. I caught the bug and once you start, you can't stop.
"They are no longer called golliwogs but golly badges and I think they are a piece of history. They are also of great interest because lots of people collect them.
"It's only white English people who complain they're racist. They were originally more of a tribute. It's political correctness gone mad."
John Molyneux, senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth's school of art, design and media, told the Portsmouth News: "This is very much to be regretted as the golly, or golliwog, has very strong racist connotations.
"They were originally a very crude racist stereotype repeated in many children's stories at the height of imperialism when unfortunately overt racism was common in adults and children.
"It is not just an innocent toy and often this issue is not understood by people - and obviously not by the curators and managers of the museum."
Tom de Wit, curator at the museum which is funded by Hamsphire County Council, said: "We hope that people are not offended. But if objects on display do stimulate debate, we see this as a positive thing."
