GALT TOYS

6 November – 24 December 2026
the modernist, 58 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ

Private View: Thursday 5th November from 6pm - all welcome.

This winter, the modernist opens its doors to a celebration of colour, play and good design. Drawn from the personal collection of Steve Marland, our latest exhibition illustrates the work of Galt Toys, the company that brought modernist thinking into the nursery and changed how generations of British children learned through play.

A new era of play

After the second world war, as Britain worked its way out of austerity, a fresh wave of modernist design began to reach into everyday life. Classrooms and playrooms were part of it. Abbatt Toys had already pioneered many ideas about educational, child-centred toys. It was Galt Toys, though, that carried those ideas to a much wider audience.

With visionary leadership, striking branding and toys that families could actually afford, Galt reshaped the UK toy industry. Its designs were bold, collaborative and built around how children think and learn. Their influence can still be felt today.

Modernism, but make it fun

As designer Malcolm Garrett puts it in his introduction to the accompanying book:

“Modernism needn’t just be grey, gridded and grim.”

Galt’s toys are proof. Every piece is bright and bold, and colour is part of how each toy works. Behind the fun is the same clarity of structure that defines the best modernist design. That clear, structural thinking helped shape young minds while they played.

From collection to exhibition

The exhibition is curated by Steve Marland. It shows highlights from Marland’s collection, including toys, packaging and graphics. It runs alongside a new publication by Steve Marland and Natalie Ainscough, featuring images of the toys and games with an introduction by Malcolm Garrett.

06.11.26 - 24.12.26

at the modernist
58 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ
open 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday

Images courtesy of Steve Marland

Book and poster design by Thomas Steeles