Lessons to be learned from the History of the Golly, 1895-2026

Lessons to be learned from the history of the golly, 1895-2026

Dr Todd Gray, historian & Research Fellow at University of Exeter

Todd Gray discusses the sensitive topic of the black fictional toy character which has became a symbol of racism. Todd claims that race was not considered the defining feature of the original golliwog dolls which were created in 1895. His research shows the golliwog’s roles were not only as a childhood doll but as a mascot, corporate trademark, charity fundraiser, entertainment figure and Great War amulet. In his new book Waterwogs and the Contested History of the Golliwog, he reveals the reasons behind how, as Britain’s most prevalent image of a Black man, it developed simultaneously as a cherished childhood toy and racist icon.