Item HT 18967 Toy Aeroplane - Boomaroo, Gloster Meteor, Green Metal, circa 1950s

Summary

Toy Gloster Meteor jet fighter, circa 1950s.

'Boomaroo' was a brand-name combining 'boomerang' and 'kangaroo'. These well-known metal toys were made by Artlay Products Ltd established by Hugh Findlay. Based in Surry Hills, Sydney, Boomaroo toys were produced between 1939 and 1969. Most products were toy trucks, cars and aircraft but some toy trains and trams appeared under the Boomaroo brand.

Physical Description

Green metal toy airplane. Made under BOOMEROO trademark and labelled JET PLANE.

Significance

Encompassing toys, books, clothing and other items, the William Boyd Childhood Collection is rare in its comprehensiveness: even ephemera such as the back of a Cornflakes box are included. The Collection demonstrates a range of prominent themes in the lives of postwar Victorian children, such as the ability to 'make do' under austere circumstances; the shift in toy manufacture towards plastic materials and mass production; the continuing cultural influence of Britain; the increasing embrace of American popular culture; the prominence of gender roles; and the popularity of transport and war themed toys for boys.