Maker record
Timpo
Timpo was a British toy maker that began in 1938 as Toy Importers Ltd., initially importing toys before wartime supply problems led it to arrange local production. Its early products included wooden toys and toys made from composite materials; after the war it expanded into lead figures and developed its own ranges. By the 1960s its catalogue included cavalry, cowboys, Native American figures, knights, guards, stagecoaches, farm animals and zoo animals. The company became particularly associated with moulded toy figures and playsets.
- Founded
- 1938
- Final year
- 1980
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Locations
- London, UK
- Founders
- Sally Gawrylowicz
The story of Timpo
Timpo began in 1938 as Toy Importers Ltd., importing toys from continental Europe. When the Second World War disrupted imports and restricted the use of metal, the company arranged local production, concentrating on wooden toys and experimenting with composition materials. Its products included wooden building blocks, composition aircraft and Bakelite vehicles. The Brighton Toy and Model Index records Toy Importers Ltd. at 26 Westbourne Grove, London.
After the war, Timpo returned to figures and other toy ranges. Between 1946 and 1950 it acquired moulds from firms including Stoddart and Kew, selling some products under the Timpo name; after 1950 it concentrated increasingly on its own ranges. Timpo produced hollow-cast metal soldiers before shifting to plastic figures in the 1950s. Its later ranges covered military and historical subjects, cowboys and other Western characters, animals, vehicles and playsets. A 1956 trade advertisement and 1968 catalogue imagery document the company’s active product lines and London presence during this period.