The generosity of the public has quadrupled the collection of Bluebird toys currently on display in the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Following an appeal for donations, the museum’s collection has grown from four to 19.

“So far the response has been brilliant,” said Sophie Cummings, curator at the museum.

The organisation has been appealing for help adding to their current Bluebird Toy collection, with the aim of celebrating some of Swindon’s less well known history.

“People have approached us with toys, with photos and sharing their memories of working for Bluebird in the early 1980s and 1990s,” Sophie added.

“We think we have quadrupled our Bluebird collection thanks to the generosity of the public.”

The toy manufacturer was based in Cheney Manor between 1983-1996, before they were bought out by Mattell.

They are the company behind the Polly Pocket brand, Havok wargame and Disney Tiny Collection, among other popular toys.

New additions to the museum’s collections include a Big Red Fun Bus, a Lucy Locket Fabulous Dream Home, a Hamburger Heaven play set and some rare polly pockets.

Sophie added: “It has really stirred up some nostalgia for those people who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s.

“People are probably surprised to find that the toys gathering dust in their attic are something their local museum would be interested in.”

So far all toys donated since the appeal started have come from within the Swindon area.

The museum has also been contacted by individuals from further afield who used to work for Bluebird Toys wanting to share their stories.

“People are really keen to celebrate the Swindon link,” added Sophie.

“It is probably one of the less well known stories but also probably one of the most fun stories to come from our town.”

In addition the museum has been given a copy of a set of photographs documenting the official opening of the Bluebird headquarters in Swindon.

Throughout August the museum had showcased their original modest collection of toys in their Pick of the Month case.

Due to the interest from the public there are now plans to host a continuous Bluebird Toys display in the museum’s Made in Swindon gallery.

“The response has been so fantastic we’re going to be creating a permanent display from the autumn,” said Sophie.

“It will always be open - people will be able to come and see it whenever they come to the museum, and take a trip down memory lane.

“So there will be a nice legacy for the appeal.”

Sophie added: “We just want to say a really big thank you to everyone who has donated toys and shared things with us.

“The museum is really grateful for the response from the community.”