Dan Fern (British, B. 1945) "Board Games" Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Great Britain 19p Toys and Games stamp issued May 16, 1989.

Zipping round and round with dazzling speed, new toy trains and racing cars are always a source of excitement -- and by time honored tradition sometimes more so to the father than his son. Still, when dad steps in and takes over, he can claim a certain amount of historical precedent. Originally, a "toy" was a pretty trifle made for adults, not children. Only in the 19th century did the word "toy" come to specifically mean a child's plaything -- and that was a long time after the first toy train had brought enjoyment. In fact, the earliest toy trains actually preceded the invention of the "Iron Horse" itself, with a line of wheeled playthings pulled along by hand. After the steam engine was invented, mechanical power gradually entered the toy box, too. Water-filled boilers were heated by methylated spirit burners, and the old toy pull trains were soon transformed into shiny lines of railroad cars hauled on miniature rails by chugging toy steam locomotives. Toy electric locomotives ensued in due course. Then, after the automobile was invented, toy "Tin Lizzies" also soon were delighting children of all ages. And it wasn't just the children's cars and racing car sets that became popular -- though America's fascination with the automobile is amply reflected in its toy boxes. Finely crafted precision miniature automobiles, some with intricate moving parts and costing hundreds of dollars, have become favorites with adult collectors.

Image Size: 17.5 x 18.25 in.
Overall Size: 21 x 22.75 in.
Unframed.
(B12017)

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21 x 22.75 in