TOY FAIRS
Jim Bonaretti was a long-time member of both the Chamber of Manufacturers and of TAGMA (Toys and Games Manufacturers Association of Australia) and exhibited the Bestoys range at almost every Sydney Toy Fair from its earliest days to 1984. Through his agents, the Bestoys range was also displayed at the Melbourne Toy Fairs.
One of the earliest he exhibited at was held at the Sydney Town Hall or the Trocadero (unsure which venue…) between 1957 and 1961 during which Desmond Tester and his Channel Ninepins children's TV show was televised live. (See Bestoys History)
Sydney’s Toy Fairs were usually held in February or March and usually in conjunction with the International Toy and Sporting Goods Trade Fair (sometimes known as the International Toy Exhibition), while Melbourne held theirs sometime mid-year.
There is scant information regarding the formation of TAGMA or who the inaugural members were or, indeed, how it developed through the years however, newspaper articles indicate that the very first toy exhibition by Australian manufacturers was held between 6th and 8th April 1954 in the basement of the Sydney Town Hall and known as "The Australian Toymakers' Fair".
One of the earliest he exhibited at was held at the Sydney Town Hall or the Trocadero (unsure which venue…) between 1957 and 1961 during which Desmond Tester and his Channel Ninepins children's TV show was televised live. (See Bestoys History)
Sydney’s Toy Fairs were usually held in February or March and usually in conjunction with the International Toy and Sporting Goods Trade Fair (sometimes known as the International Toy Exhibition), while Melbourne held theirs sometime mid-year.
There is scant information regarding the formation of TAGMA or who the inaugural members were or, indeed, how it developed through the years however, newspaper articles indicate that the very first toy exhibition by Australian manufacturers was held between 6th and 8th April 1954 in the basement of the Sydney Town Hall and known as "The Australian Toymakers' Fair".
This page details those toy fairs and exhibitions in which Jim Bonaretti took part, either personally or through his agents, with photographs and publicity of those together with a listing of Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy products exhibited where possible.
For a very brief history of the Chamber of Manufacturers, TAGMA and Toy Fairs from 1951, go to this page…
AUSTRALIAN TOYMAKERS' FAIR
Lower Sydney Town Hall
6th to 8th April, 1954
Bestoys had not been established yet and it is most likely that Nazzareno Bonaretti was not involved with Roy Waddell or Lovelock at this time. From the information available, it appears that neither R. Waddell nor E. Lovelock exhibited at this, the very first Toy Fair to be held in Australia however some now-famous names did...
The following newspaper article is with thanks to the National Library of Australia: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/27506569
Apart from advertising the very first Toy Fair to be held in Australia, the paper gives a fascinating insight into the Sydney of more than 70 years ago.
Apart from advertising the very first Toy Fair to be held in Australia, the paper gives a fascinating insight into the Sydney of more than 70 years ago.
This is a PDF download of the Daily Telegraph edition of 6th April 1954. The Toy Fair supplement is on pages 14 and 15 - see also images below.
Daily Telegraph newspaper supplement of the first Toy Fair exhibition 6th and 7th April, 1954 - Page 14
Daily Telegraph newspaper supplement of the first Toy Fair exhibition 6th and 7th April, 1954 - Page 15
More articles and advertising from various sources for that very first Toy Fair...
Sydney Morning Herald article 7th April, 1954. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18418778?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
This advertisement for the Space Disintegrator Gun and Helmet appeared in the June 1954 edition of "The Retailer". Pierwood Plastics was in Stand 21 at the first Australian Toy Fair. The same little boy in the April Toymakers' Fair article.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 9 April 1954, page 10 - Herald Magazine Section
Daily Telegraph of 7th April, 1954 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248869603?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
Brisbane Telegraph of 8th April, 1954 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/217146442?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
Miss Atlas in Toyland - Daily Telegraph 8th April, 1954 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248869653?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
AUSTRALIAN TOYMAKERS' FAIR
Lower Sydney Town Hall
30th March to 6th April, 1955
Following the success of the inaugural Australian Toymakers' Fair, the event was repeated in the same venue - the basement of the Sydney Town Hall - from 30th March to 1st April, 1955.
Only one reference to this event has so far come to light:
Only one reference to this event has so far come to light:
This ad placed by an exhibitor was in the Fairfield Broadcaster edition of 30th March, 1955 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/144075035?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
MELBOURNE TOY FAIR
Lower Melbourne Town Hall
16th to 19th May, 1955
Sir Ralph Richardson in 1949
With the success of the very first Australian toymakers' exhibition held in Sydney the previous year, the Victorian Toy Retailers' Association, under the leadership of Mr. E.A. Lewis, held Melbourne's first Toy Fair—also in a basement—in the Melbourne Town Hall. This exhibition was a little different: it had a cordoned-off area just for adults—one for men and one for mothers—no children (see newspaper articles below. Gender bias is prevalent in most of the ads but that is what it was in "those days"...).
While visitors' entry to the Sydney Toy Fair was free, Melbourne's Toy Fair had an entry fee of 6d (sixpence) for children and 2/- (two shillings) for adults with the proceeds going to the Victorian Society for Crippled Children.
The exhibition itself was grandly opened by Sir Ralph Richardson, world-famous English actor.
While visitors' entry to the Sydney Toy Fair was free, Melbourne's Toy Fair had an entry fee of 6d (sixpence) for children and 2/- (two shillings) for adults with the proceeds going to the Victorian Society for Crippled Children.
The exhibition itself was grandly opened by Sir Ralph Richardson, world-famous English actor.
The Argus Melbourne article of 16th May, 1955 for the Melbourne Toy Fair - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6559065#
Published in the Perth Daily News of 4th May, 1955, this article advises of the upcoming Toy Fair in Melbourne on May 16 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/266320691?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
The Argus Melbourne article 17th May, 1955 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71882973?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
The forthcoming inaugural Toy Fair in Melbourne had considerable interest. This article is from the 13th April, 1955 edition of the Argus Melbourne - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71875909?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
Excerpt from the above article. To the left is one Granddad's enjoyment of the special enclosure.
End note: A cheque for £532, proceeds of the Toy Fair in the lower Melbourne Town Hall in May, was presented yesterday morning to Mr. Angus S. Mitchell, president of the Victorian Society for Crippled Children, by Mr. R. Grogan, Toy Retailers' Association president.
From the Argus Melbourne, Friday, 7th October, 1955: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71699875?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
From the Argus Melbourne, Friday, 7th October, 1955: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71699875?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
TROCADERO TOY FAIR
Sydney Trocadero
c16th March, 1956
In searching for Toy Fair photographs from the 1950s, the Mitchell Library of the State Library of New South Wales listed quite a trove. The following images were taken at the Sydney Trocadero, a large art deco dance and concert hall that operated between 1936 and 1971 and was situated on George Street, close to Bathurst Street. (Compare the wall frieze from some of the toy exhibition photos to one of the interior taken in 1937.)
The photos below are mostly of "Mobo" wheeled toys, which were manufactured by Sebels (Australia) Pty Ltd at 96 Canterbury Road, Bankstown (NSW). Sebels was first listed in the 1951 Sydney Classified Telephone Directory (pink pages) but, only a few years later in 1954, had found itself in financial difficulties. By the publication of the 1960 Sydney Pink Pages, both Sebels and Mobo were no longer listed, having ceased production in 1957. Mobo, through Sebel Sales Limited, was one of the inaugural exhibitors of the 1954 Australian Toymakers' Fair in Sydney (see above)
See this excellent article on Mobo and Sebels at the Powerhouse website: https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/43336
and Kids & scooters etc at Trocadero Toy fair / photographed by R. Donaldson
The photos below are mostly of "Mobo" wheeled toys, which were manufactured by Sebels (Australia) Pty Ltd at 96 Canterbury Road, Bankstown (NSW). Sebels was first listed in the 1951 Sydney Classified Telephone Directory (pink pages) but, only a few years later in 1954, had found itself in financial difficulties. By the publication of the 1960 Sydney Pink Pages, both Sebels and Mobo were no longer listed, having ceased production in 1957. Mobo, through Sebel Sales Limited, was one of the inaugural exhibitors of the 1954 Australian Toymakers' Fair in Sydney (see above)
See this excellent article on Mobo and Sebels at the Powerhouse website: https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/43336
and Kids & scooters etc at Trocadero Toy fair / photographed by R. Donaldson
With thanks to the State Library of New South Wales: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/digital/search?groupResultsByItem=true&search=toy%20fair#item_VZQa06bkj23o
SYDNEY TOY FAIR
c1957
Up until the beginning of 1959, Bestoys was operating out of 26 Hutchinson Street, St Peters. It was at these premises that the Bestoys logo of moon and rocket ship was born. This is also where Jim Bonaretti crafted a giant rocket and moon logo from plywood and decorated them by hand for an upcoming toy fair. He suspended these in front of a deep mauve backdrop made of velvet ceiling-to-floor fabric curtaining to represent the sky. This made for a very eye-catching display backdrop for his toys and nursery furniture and promoted the new Bestoys logo to visitors and buyers.
Rolls of the velvet fabric were purchased and Ebe fashioned them into curtains of the appropriate length for the exhibition. Afterward, those lengths were rolled up and stored for future use.
When the Bonaretti family moved to Byrnes Street in late 1958, some of that fabric was used to curtain the doorways to the three bedrooms in the old cottage at number 19. For some unknown reason, Jim and Ebe had removed the doors or, perhaps, the original doors had been removed by the previous owner.
The original moon and rocket ship made c1957 still exists today.
Rolls of the velvet fabric were purchased and Ebe fashioned them into curtains of the appropriate length for the exhibition. Afterward, those lengths were rolled up and stored for future use.
When the Bonaretti family moved to Byrnes Street in late 1958, some of that fabric was used to curtain the doorways to the three bedrooms in the old cottage at number 19. For some unknown reason, Jim and Ebe had removed the doors or, perhaps, the original doors had been removed by the previous owner.
The original moon and rocket ship made c1957 still exists today.
SYDNEY TOY FAIR
March, 1963
SYDNEY TOY SHOW (1963)
To the left is a short film found in the British Pathé archive of the toy fair held in Sydney in 1963. The date of the film is 5th March, 1963.
Slot cars and trains sets were all the rage and, behind the marionette, glimpses of metal wheeled-toys and table and chairs can be seen (Cyclops?). The next shot shows playsuits in the background (Lindsay?)
Bestoys most likely exhibited its range at this event and, as more information comes to hand, it will be included here.
(Media URL: UN 3721 D) With thanks to British Pathé
To the left is a short film found in the British Pathé archive of the toy fair held in Sydney in 1963. The date of the film is 5th March, 1963.
Slot cars and trains sets were all the rage and, behind the marionette, glimpses of metal wheeled-toys and table and chairs can be seen (Cyclops?). The next shot shows playsuits in the background (Lindsay?)
Bestoys most likely exhibited its range at this event and, as more information comes to hand, it will be included here.
(Media URL: UN 3721 D) With thanks to British Pathé
MELBOURNE TOY MARKET – July, 1964
This photograph is of the Bestoys stand at the "Melbourne Toy Market". The caption beneath the Bestoys Rocket and Moon reads, “Furniture for Children and Dolls”.
Note that the Bestoys sign is not the one made by Jim Bonaretti in c1957.
Note that the Bestoys sign is not the one made by Jim Bonaretti in c1957.
Image from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer trade magazine
Image with thanks to Rebecca's Collections – http://rebeccascollections.blogspot.com/2013/05/toy-journals-and-catalogues-at-national.html
SYDNEY TOY TRADE FAIR
Menzies Hotel Sydney
March, 1965
The Menzies Hotel was the first international hotel built in the city since World War II and was officially opened by The Beach Boys in 1964. The hotel hosted skating stars on a permanent, retractable ice-skating rink, a restaurant showpiece and local favorite. The first ever Japanese Restaurant in Sydney opened at the hotel in 1972, called Keisan, and in 1979 Shell House, the office building adjacent to The Menzies became part of the hotel adding 196 rooms to the hotel's inventory. It no longer exists, being demolished in 2017 to make way for the Brookfield Partners' 27-storey Wynyard Place tower. (With thanks to https://traveloscopy.blogspot.com/2013/09/sydneys-historic-menzies-hotel-turns-50.html)
The Menzies Hotel and Shell House
1965 TOY SHOW IN SYDNEY
To the left is another short film found in the British Pathé archive. This one of the toy fair held in Sydney in 1965 at the Menzies Hotel. There is no specific date this film was taken.
Once more, playsuits feature (Lindsay?), marionettes, dolls and teddy bears, and Slinky, a toy introduced in 1945, still a favourite in 1965. Slot cars, too, remain extremely popular. TV shows like Combat! and The Gallant Men make war toys a must have. There is even a decimal converter cash register, ready for Australia's convertion on 14th February, 1966.
Bestoys most likely exhibited its range at this event and, as more information comes to hand, it will be included here.
(Media URL: UN 4043 D) With thanks to British Pathé
To the left is another short film found in the British Pathé archive. This one of the toy fair held in Sydney in 1965 at the Menzies Hotel. There is no specific date this film was taken.
Once more, playsuits feature (Lindsay?), marionettes, dolls and teddy bears, and Slinky, a toy introduced in 1945, still a favourite in 1965. Slot cars, too, remain extremely popular. TV shows like Combat! and The Gallant Men make war toys a must have. There is even a decimal converter cash register, ready for Australia's convertion on 14th February, 1966.
Bestoys most likely exhibited its range at this event and, as more information comes to hand, it will be included here.
(Media URL: UN 4043 D) With thanks to British Pathé
TAGMA TOY TRADE FAIR
Menzies Hotel Sydney - Ballroom
March, 1966
While the Games and Toys Manufacturers' Association (T.A.G.M.A.) was formed around 1959 exclusively for Australian toy and game manufacturers, 1966 appears to be the first time TAGMA held a separate Toy Fair concurrent with the inaugural International Toy Trade Fair.
At that time, Bestoys and the Bonaretti family had not ventured into importing goods; that was in 1972 when they established Alltoys International Pty Ltd.
The newspaper article to the right gives some insight into the trend in toys of the day.
With thanks to Trove and The Australian Women's Weekly: The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982) Wed 17 Aug 1966 Page 13 Toyland, Wednesday: ROCKING-HORSE 1 IN THE LEAD
At that time, Bestoys and the Bonaretti family had not ventured into importing goods; that was in 1972 when they established Alltoys International Pty Ltd.
The newspaper article to the right gives some insight into the trend in toys of the day.
With thanks to Trove and The Australian Women's Weekly: The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982) Wed 17 Aug 1966 Page 13 Toyland, Wednesday: ROCKING-HORSE 1 IN THE LEAD
1966 newspaper article - transcription below
Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 17 August 1966, page 13
Toyland, Wednesday:
ROCKING-HORSE IN THE LEAD
An important victory has been won by the Australian toy-maker. Last year half the toys and games sold in this country were labelled "Australian-made."
This was no small achievement. Since import restrictions were lifted ten years ago, overseas competition has increased by leaps and bounds.
All kinds of unusual and sales-appealing toys have flooded the market, and recently China swelled the ranks.
Carefully planned publicity in the shape of the Australian Toy Exhibition provided the victory weapon, toy traders believe.
Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne by the Toys and Games Manufacturers' Association, it introduces new models and new processes in toy-making to retail buyers from all over Australia.
This year's Sydney exhibition, held in the ballroom of Menzies Hotel, was colorful and charged with new ideas.
More than 20 leading manufacturers exhibited the latest additions to their ranges, and the result was a children's wonderland including cuddly animals - they have synthetic fur this year and can be dunked in the washing-machine! - dolls that flop on the shoulder like real babies, and famous character costumes.
There was even a stand devoted to Space Age toys.
"The accent in toys today seems to be on the bizarre and old," TAGMA social secretary Mrs. Hilarie Lindsay said, holding up a baby doll named "Squinty" because of her endearing cross-eyed expression. An authority on Australian toy-making, Mrs. Lindsay enthused over the durability of "Australian-made" toys.
"They're specially designed for all-year-round play," she said. "In one family we know of, a rocking horse is still in use after 37 years, and a donkey on wheels made 25 years ago has just got a new mane and tail."
Still as popular as ever in the make-believe world of the young are Combat and Zorro.
But "the toy of 1966" in the world of big business is a simple little plastic rocking-horse called "Robbie."
See the Powerhouse's collection of A.L. Lindsay's "Zorro" outfit here: https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/136451
Toyland, Wednesday:
ROCKING-HORSE IN THE LEAD
An important victory has been won by the Australian toy-maker. Last year half the toys and games sold in this country were labelled "Australian-made."
This was no small achievement. Since import restrictions were lifted ten years ago, overseas competition has increased by leaps and bounds.
All kinds of unusual and sales-appealing toys have flooded the market, and recently China swelled the ranks.
Carefully planned publicity in the shape of the Australian Toy Exhibition provided the victory weapon, toy traders believe.
Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne by the Toys and Games Manufacturers' Association, it introduces new models and new processes in toy-making to retail buyers from all over Australia.
This year's Sydney exhibition, held in the ballroom of Menzies Hotel, was colorful and charged with new ideas.
More than 20 leading manufacturers exhibited the latest additions to their ranges, and the result was a children's wonderland including cuddly animals - they have synthetic fur this year and can be dunked in the washing-machine! - dolls that flop on the shoulder like real babies, and famous character costumes.
There was even a stand devoted to Space Age toys.
"The accent in toys today seems to be on the bizarre and old," TAGMA social secretary Mrs. Hilarie Lindsay said, holding up a baby doll named "Squinty" because of her endearing cross-eyed expression. An authority on Australian toy-making, Mrs. Lindsay enthused over the durability of "Australian-made" toys.
"They're specially designed for all-year-round play," she said. "In one family we know of, a rocking horse is still in use after 37 years, and a donkey on wheels made 25 years ago has just got a new mane and tail."
Still as popular as ever in the make-believe world of the young are Combat and Zorro.
But "the toy of 1966" in the world of big business is a simple little plastic rocking-horse called "Robbie."
See the Powerhouse's collection of A.L. Lindsay's "Zorro" outfit here: https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/136451
FIRST INTERNATIONAL TOY TRADE FAIR
Sydney
14th March, 1966
A Canberra Times newspaper article of 8th March, 1966 stated:
A NATION OF TOY-BUYERS
MELBOURNE, Monday. - Australians buy more toys per head of population than most other countries, the chairman of the British Toy Manufacturers Association, Mr. David Day, said today.
Mr. Day, the father of four and grandfather of four, is in Australia to attend the first International Toy Fair, which, opens in Sydney next Monday.
He said that Australians last year bought $54 million (£27m.) worth of toys.
Half of the toys were manufactured locally, and of the imports a third came from Britain.
Britain produced toys worth £55m. sterling in 1965, of which £l5m. worth were exported.
Australia had long been Britain's best market for toys but last year, for the first time, UK exports to West Germany (£1.8m.) exceeded those to Australia (£1.6m.).
Mr. Day said: "British manufacturers will be making every effort to gain a wider share of the Australian market.
"Our display at the International Toy Fair in Sydney next week is a step in this direction."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105890386?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
A NATION OF TOY-BUYERS
MELBOURNE, Monday. - Australians buy more toys per head of population than most other countries, the chairman of the British Toy Manufacturers Association, Mr. David Day, said today.
Mr. Day, the father of four and grandfather of four, is in Australia to attend the first International Toy Fair, which, opens in Sydney next Monday.
He said that Australians last year bought $54 million (£27m.) worth of toys.
Half of the toys were manufactured locally, and of the imports a third came from Britain.
Britain produced toys worth £55m. sterling in 1965, of which £l5m. worth were exported.
Australia had long been Britain's best market for toys but last year, for the first time, UK exports to West Germany (£1.8m.) exceeded those to Australia (£1.6m.).
Mr. Day said: "British manufacturers will be making every effort to gain a wider share of the Australian market.
"Our display at the International Toy Fair in Sydney next week is a step in this direction."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105890386?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
An article in the Australian Women's Weekly of Wednesday, 13th April, 1966 - Page 22 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/44523523?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
Mrs. Trigg and Mrs. Wells from Mark Foy's at the last International Toy Trade Fair in Sydney - from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer edition of 1967
MELBOURNE TOY FAIR
1966
Kevin and Betty Arnott from L. Arnott & Sons, Robinvale at the Melbourne Toy Fair 1966 in front of Bestoys "Laura" Dolls House - Image from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer trade magazine
TAGMA TOY TRADE FAIR
1967
Not much is found in publications that relate to the TAGMA Toy Fair of 1967 except for this article in the Port Lincoln Times (South Australia) of Thursday, 26th October, 1967 that mentions Metti Dolls (an Adelaide manufacturer) winning a "gold medal" for "the best Australian toy at this year's toy fair in Sydney". (Must have been the TAGMA Toy Fair)
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/269711535?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
It is very likely that Bestoys did exhibit in the TAGMA Toy Fair of 1967...
Will be added to as soon as discovered...
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/269711535?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
It is very likely that Bestoys did exhibit in the TAGMA Toy Fair of 1967...
Will be added to as soon as discovered...
Ad placed by G.W. Beer & Co of Port Lincoln, South Australia - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/269711535?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
Excerpt from the ad placed by G.W. Beer & Co showing Metti Dolls
A little bit of Metti history
Metti Australia was established in South Australia in 1965 by Richard Hall and Luciano Metti. (above from: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/257673)
Metti was sold on November 30th, 1976 to Benny Coscia, who was the production manager. He decided that something had to be done to keep Australian made dolls available to the public. Benny and his wife, Antoinetta, who was one of the Metti hairdressers, purchased the manufacturing machines and reopened the business as "Netta" on December 1st, 1976. (above from: https://dollsdollsdolls.net/the-dolls/my-metti-netta-family-2/)
Metti Australia was established in South Australia in 1965 by Richard Hall and Luciano Metti. (above from: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/257673)
Metti was sold on November 30th, 1976 to Benny Coscia, who was the production manager. He decided that something had to be done to keep Australian made dolls available to the public. Benny and his wife, Antoinetta, who was one of the Metti hairdressers, purchased the manufacturing machines and reopened the business as "Netta" on December 1st, 1976. (above from: https://dollsdollsdolls.net/the-dolls/my-metti-netta-family-2/)
2nd SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR
13th February, 1967
Only a passing reference has been found (so far) regarding the Sydney Toy Fair of 1967. It is from the Canberra Times Canberra Diary of 8th February, 1967 (page 11) announcing, "The British High Commissioner, Sir Charles Johnston, and Lady Johnston will be in Sydney next week. Sir Charles will be present at the opening of the International Toy Fair on February 13 and, with Lady Johnston, will attend a dinner given by Mr. Roy Orpwood in honour of the chairman of the ANZ Bank, Sir Geoffrey Gibbs."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106961203?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
The Canberra Times of Tuesday, 14th February, 1967 further mentions, in response to fundraising for the victims of the Tasmanian bush fires, "Manufacturers represented at the giant International Toy Trade Fair in Sydney this week have pledged to send toys to child victims of the Tasmanian bushfires."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106962191?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
(...the search continues...)
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106961203?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
The Canberra Times of Tuesday, 14th February, 1967 further mentions, in response to fundraising for the victims of the Tasmanian bush fires, "Manufacturers represented at the giant International Toy Trade Fair in Sydney this week have pledged to send toys to child victims of the Tasmanian bushfires."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106962191?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
(...the search continues...)
MELBOURNE TOY FAIR
July, 1967
Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co, with Mr Alex Gast at the helm, steered the Bestoys ship at the Melbourne Toy Fair of 1967 aided by the successful exposure of the Bestoys range on the TV Children’s Game Show, Video Village.
"Bestoys showed their range of well made furniture for children and dolls. Stand manned by personnel from Michaelis Hallenstein who distribute for them in Victoria" – Caption from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer, August, 1967.
Bestoys products displayed are:
Top row on tabletops, left to right:
Top row on tabletops, left to right:
- “Contessa” Wardrobe for 12” Barbie and Sindy dolls
- “Vanity” Wardrobe for 12” Barbie and Sindy dolls
- “Queen Mary” Bedroom Suite for 24” dolls – Wardrobe, Dressing Table and Bed
- Service Station
- “Laura” Doll’s House
- Hobby Horse
On the floor, back row, left to right:
- “Victory” Desk and Stool – mostly obscured
- “School Mate” Desk and Stool with Map of Australia
- Swan Rockaway (behind the desk)
- Combination Cot and Cradle (behind the desk)
- No. 2 Blackboard
- “Scholar” Desk and Stool
- Lamb Rockaway
- Horse Rockaway
- “Caprice” Cot and Cradle
- Elephant Rockaway
3rd SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL TOY TRADE FAIR
Chevron Hotel
c13th to 20th March, 1968
Not much information is available on the Toy Fairs of 1968, other than newspaper articles and photographs.
The Canberra Times Canberra Diary of 13th March, 1968 (page 11) announced, "On Monday Sir Charles and Lady Johnston will leave Canberra for Sydney to attend a dinner for the International Toy Fair and to give a reception at their Point Piper flat to meet the new British deputy High Commissioner in Sydney, Mr. Desmond Pakenham, and Mrs. Pakenham."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107041360?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
The Canberra Times of Wednesday, 20th March, 1968 further mentions, "Tomorrow Sir Charles and Lady Johnston will visit the International Toy Fair in Sydney and will return to Canberra tomorrow afternoon."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107042529?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
(See more of these visits in the photographs by Jack Hickson from the Mitchell Library archives at the State Library of New South Wales below...)
The Canberra Times Canberra Diary of 13th March, 1968 (page 11) announced, "On Monday Sir Charles and Lady Johnston will leave Canberra for Sydney to attend a dinner for the International Toy Fair and to give a reception at their Point Piper flat to meet the new British deputy High Commissioner in Sydney, Mr. Desmond Pakenham, and Mrs. Pakenham."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107041360?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
The Canberra Times of Wednesday, 20th March, 1968 further mentions, "Tomorrow Sir Charles and Lady Johnston will visit the International Toy Fair in Sydney and will return to Canberra tomorrow afternoon."
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107042529?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
(See more of these visits in the photographs by Jack Hickson from the Mitchell Library archives at the State Library of New South Wales below...)
Meanwhile, other articles pertaining to the Third Sydney International Toy Fair appeared in the Australian Jewish Times of Thursday, 21st March, 1968. See article to the right.
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263110364?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
On 28th March, 1968, the Australian Jewish News published another article mentioning the International Toy Fair held at the Chevron Hotel in Sydney. See article to the left.
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263110450?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263110364?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22#
On 28th March, 1968, the Australian Jewish News published another article mentioning the International Toy Fair held at the Chevron Hotel in Sydney. See article to the left.
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263110450?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
Two more random photos from the same Mitchell Library collection are of a Japanese manufacturer of child's wheeled vehicles - name unknown...
(...the search continues...)
The Chevron Hotel at 81-83 Macleay Street, Potts Point, began construction in 1959 and was opened in September 1960 as the Chevron-Hilton
Article in the Australian Jewish News dated 21st March, 1968
More photographs from the Mitchell Library archives at the State Library of New South Wales.
These were taken by Jack Hickson dated April, 1968 and labelled "...at a toy fair, Chevron Hotel". (This date may not be correct if they pertain to the International Toy Fair). The photos promote Skippy products, namesake of the then very popular TV show, "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" (1968-1970) (View opening and closing credits here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByob-5pPEs with thanks to TeeVee Greatest)
These were taken by Jack Hickson dated April, 1968 and labelled "...at a toy fair, Chevron Hotel". (This date may not be correct if they pertain to the International Toy Fair). The photos promote Skippy products, namesake of the then very popular TV show, "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" (1968-1970) (View opening and closing credits here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByob-5pPEs with thanks to TeeVee Greatest)
On 18th March, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Willis visited the exhibition of British-made toys promoted by the British High Commission. At the time, Eric Willis was Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Minister for Labour and Industry in New South Wales.
On 20th March, the British High Commissioner and his wife, Sir Charles Johnston and Lady Johnston, attended the same exhibition.
Toy Traders was an importer, representative and distributor of most of the best British toy makers and held its own exhibition coinciding with the International Toy Fair as advertised in the February 1968 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer magazine.
The 1949 publication of the Sydney Telephone Directory listed Toy Traders Pty Ltd (JH Pearson) being at 63 William Street, Roseville – JA 8349 and, on 21st November 1963, notice to wind up the company was given by the Supreme Court of NSW. It managed to survive until 9th January, 1976 when it was finally wound up.
The 1949 publication of the Sydney Telephone Directory listed Toy Traders Pty Ltd (JH Pearson) being at 63 William Street, Roseville – JA 8349 and, on 21st November 1963, notice to wind up the company was given by the Supreme Court of NSW. It managed to survive until 9th January, 1976 when it was finally wound up.
The two-page spread in the February 1968 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL TOY TRADE FAIR
Australia Square
16-20 March, 1969
A number of images available on Trove indicate that the British High Commission attended the British toy trade fair held between 16th and 20th March, 1969 in the Australia Square building. It is likely that the British toy exhibition was held in conjunction with Sydney's International Toy Trade Fair and TAGMA, which was the usual practice. (More research is required.) Meanwhile, more photographs taken by Jack Hickson in 1969 of this event may be accessed here: https://trove.nla.gov.au/search/advanced/category/images?keyword=%22toys%20trade%22 (with thanks to the Australian Photographic Agency)
A montage of exhibitors at TAGMA from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer - with thanks to Rebecca's Collections
Jack Hickson photo of the British High Commission at the British toy trade fair, Australia Square, 18th March 1969
MELBOURNE TOY FAIR
Southern Cross Hotel
18th July, 1971
This article from the Australian Women's Weekly published on Wednesday, 28th July, 1971 features a fluffy toy from the annual toy fair held at the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne - page 15
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/46076110?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/46076110?searchTerm=%22Toy%20fair%22
Albert from the Melbourne Toy Fair of 1971
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL TOY TRADE FAIR
Randwick Racecourse
March, 1972
Getty Images - The Minister for Decentralisation and Development The Hon J.B.M. Fuller, MLC, examining the toy exhibits on display, after he had officially opened the fair.
In 1972, the 7th International Toy Trade Fair was held in conjunction with the TAGMA Toy Fair at Randwick Racecourse.
The Minister for Decentralisation and Development, The Hon J.B.M. Fuller, MLC, officially opened the international exhibition on Wednesday 8th March, 1972.
While the Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy ranges were the main focus, Jim Bonaretti combined his manufacturing enterprise with his newly established wholesale company, Alltoys International Pty Ltd, adding the range of Japanese-made YKS microscopes and telescopes to the display on behalf of Mr. David Biber, Sales Manager for Slingo and Williams of Camperdown, which was the exclusive Australian importer of the scientific range for children and students.
Assisting Jim on the stand was his sales representative, Ian "Mac" McLean and his wife.
The Minister for Decentralisation and Development, The Hon J.B.M. Fuller, MLC, officially opened the international exhibition on Wednesday 8th March, 1972.
While the Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy ranges were the main focus, Jim Bonaretti combined his manufacturing enterprise with his newly established wholesale company, Alltoys International Pty Ltd, adding the range of Japanese-made YKS microscopes and telescopes to the display on behalf of Mr. David Biber, Sales Manager for Slingo and Williams of Camperdown, which was the exclusive Australian importer of the scientific range for children and students.
Assisting Jim on the stand was his sales representative, Ian "Mac" McLean and his wife.
Jim Bonaretti with (unknown) customer at the Bestoys stand of the 1972 Toy Fair held in Randwick Racecourse
Nazzareno (Jim) Bonaretti on the Bestoys stand at the 1972 Toy Fair at Randwick Racecourse
Mr. Ian (Mac) McLean and Mrs McLean assisting on the Bestoys stand at the 1972 Toy Fair at Randwick Racecourse
Mr. David Biber of Slingo & Williams, Camperdown with the YKS range on the Bestoys stand at the 1972 Toy Fair at Randwick Racecourse
TAGMA TOY TRADE FAIR
Sebel Townhouse Hotel, Kings Cross
11th to 14th February, 1973
Stands 26, 27 and 28
A little bit of Sebel history with thanks to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebel_Townhouse_Hotel
The Sebel Townhouse Hotel was situated at 19 Elizabeth Bay Road in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The hotel was noted for its popularity with entertainers. It opened in 1963 and, by the mid-1960s, was the entertainment industry's "place to be seen". By the 1990s the Sebel Townhouse declined and had "become more sleazy", closing in 2000, and converting to private apartments.
TAGMA decided that the Sebel Townhouse Hotel, in the middle of Kings Cross, would be the perfect central location to hold its 1973 Toy Fair but it was a bugger for exhibitors. The surrounding streets were narrow and congested and parking a nightmare but, for Jim Bonaretti, it was critical to be there.
His three stands combined Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy brands under the umbrella of Alltoys International Pty Ltd, his importing and distribution company. This move was to reach as many potential outlets as possible: both wholesale and retail, and to draw them into his showroom at 80-84 Parramatta Road, Stanmore.
The Sebel Townhouse Hotel was situated at 19 Elizabeth Bay Road in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The hotel was noted for its popularity with entertainers. It opened in 1963 and, by the mid-1960s, was the entertainment industry's "place to be seen". By the 1990s the Sebel Townhouse declined and had "become more sleazy", closing in 2000, and converting to private apartments.
TAGMA decided that the Sebel Townhouse Hotel, in the middle of Kings Cross, would be the perfect central location to hold its 1973 Toy Fair but it was a bugger for exhibitors. The surrounding streets were narrow and congested and parking a nightmare but, for Jim Bonaretti, it was critical to be there.
His three stands combined Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy brands under the umbrella of Alltoys International Pty Ltd, his importing and distribution company. This move was to reach as many potential outlets as possible: both wholesale and retail, and to draw them into his showroom at 80-84 Parramatta Road, Stanmore.
The combined 3 stands displaying Bestoys, N.E.S.Toy and Alltoys International products at the Sebel Townhouse Hotel in 1973
Article in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer of January, 1973
Photo from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer March edition
Elizabeth Bay Road and the Sebel Townhouse Hotel
The Sebel Townhouse Hotel on Elizabeth Bay Road, Sydney
Bestoys ad in the January, 1973 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer magazine
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Chevron Hotel Sydney
7 to 14th March, 1974
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Stands 17, 18 & 19
Centrepoint Tower Sydney
February, 1976
Bestoys at the ITSGTF of 1976 held at Sydney's Centrepoint Tower
1976 International Toy and Sportsgoods Trade Fair at Centrepoint Sydney - exhibitors including Bestoys
The Bestoys stand at the 1976 International Toy and Sportsgoods Trade Fair at Centrepoint Sydney
Some visitors at the Bestoys stand at the 1976 International Toy and Sportsgoods Trade Fair at Centrepoint Sydney
1976 for Bestoys and the Bonaretti family was a year of major changes. Decisions had been made to combine the three business entities into one property complex and building of that complex had begun when the family once again went on a buying trip to Italy. The fruits of those seeds were now ready for harvest and it proved to be a bountiful crop.
The captions on these pages from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer tell of those successes:
The captions on these pages from the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer tell of those successes:
Some visitors at the Bestoys stand at the 1976 International Toy and Sportsgoods Trade Fair at Centrepoint Sydney
TOY FAIR*
Boulevard Hotel Sydney
4th-9th March, 1977
Taken from the December 1976 issue of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer, this ad by Ideal and Mattel announces their display at the Boulevard Hotel in Sydney during the upcoming Toy Fair in March.
If it was a standalone exhibition, it would have coincided with the TAGMA and ITSGTF. If so, then the Toy Fairs for 1977 were held from Friday, 4th March through to Wednesday, 9th March.
*As listed by Ideal/Mattel
The Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer December 1976 edition offered by a seller on eBay
The Ideal and Mattel ad from The Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer December 1976 edition offered by a seller on eBay
From the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer show the Honorable Sid Einfeld, then Consumer Affairs Minister in the Wran Government from 1976 to 1984, when he retired from politics. Bordered in green is the Bestoys-Alltoys stand.
The Bestoys Canova stand
In 1977 Jim Bonaretti was promoting the range of Italian imports at the International Toy and Sporting Goods Trade Fair rather than TAGMA. Bestoys products were virtually selling themselves so little promotion was deemed necessary.
This was a good move and brought in a lot of interest and, more importantly, business to the combined businesses ventures of Bestoys and Alltoys International.
This was a good move and brought in a lot of interest and, more importantly, business to the combined businesses ventures of Bestoys and Alltoys International.
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Hilton Hotel Sydney
February, 1978
The year of the BIG MOVE...
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Stands 73 A-B-C
Centrepoint Tower Sydney
March, 1979
Bigger and better than ever!
The invitation to the toy fair placed in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy January, 1979
While the 'top bit' of Centrepoint Tower, Australia's then tallest structure, wasn't opened until 1981 the floors below proved to be an exciting place to hold a toy exhibition.
The large Alltoys/Bestoys combined stand at the 1979 International Toy and Sporting Goods Trade Fair held at Centrepoint Sydney
Body builder Paul Graham in a promo shot for the I.T.S.G.F.T.
TAGMA Toy of the Year EXHIBITION
Sydney Town Hall
March, 1980
From Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer, March, 1980.
The Alltoys International stand at the TAGMA Toy Fair February, 1980 before the influx of visitors
Now all under one roof, Bestoys, N.E.S.Toys and Alltoys International exhibited at toy fairs as Alltoys International. This year, Australian toy fair was held in Sydney Town Hall coinciding with the international toy fair held in a different location.
It was always a mad rush to have everything ready in time: samples of new products had to be made, new price lists and brochures printed, invitations with passes sent out. Shelving and custom-made stands had to be specially made - easy for cabinet maker, Jim. Then there was the scramble to wriggle the Bestoys truck carrying all this into the loading dock, unload quickly without damaging or losing anything, find a trolley and cart everything up to the exhibition floor with 100 other exhibitors doing the same.
The photograph belies the bedlam that preceded it.
The Alltoys stand was one of the biggest at the Town Hall that year and showed not only one each of the entire Bestoys and N.E.S.Toys ranges but one each of every colour that was available for each product, which made for an impressive and colourful display. Prominent on the stand in front the new releases for 1980 were featured.
It was always a mad rush to have everything ready in time: samples of new products had to be made, new price lists and brochures printed, invitations with passes sent out. Shelving and custom-made stands had to be specially made - easy for cabinet maker, Jim. Then there was the scramble to wriggle the Bestoys truck carrying all this into the loading dock, unload quickly without damaging or losing anything, find a trolley and cart everything up to the exhibition floor with 100 other exhibitors doing the same.
The photograph belies the bedlam that preceded it.
The Alltoys stand was one of the biggest at the Town Hall that year and showed not only one each of the entire Bestoys and N.E.S.Toys ranges but one each of every colour that was available for each product, which made for an impressive and colourful display. Prominent on the stand in front the new releases for 1980 were featured.
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Hilton Hotel Sydney
March, 1980
More coming soon...hopefully...
INTERNATIONAL TOY & SPORTING GOODS TRADE FAIR
Royal Sydney Showground
4th to 11th March, 1981
The following image of the two-page spread in the January 1981 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer indicates that the Australian toy industry had, indeed, grown up and joined the big league in the world of toys, games and sporting goods.
Two-page spread in the January 1981 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer
The 1981 exhibition occupied many of the buildings at the (Sydney) Royal Agricultural Society Showground in Moore Park. Some of those who advertised in the January, 1981 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer magazine were:
Manufacturers' Hall - mostly comprised toy manufacturers and importers including
Toy Traders with Buddy L - (no stands listed)
Fidelity Trading with 'Britains' Models- Stands 59-60
Weirdo Pty Ltd - (no stands listed)
Majorette die cast models - Stands 34-35
Rosenhain, Lipmann & Peers with Spears Games - Stands 69-70
Judius Pty Ltd with Willis Toys - Stands 8-9
Consolidated Merchandising with Mamod Models - Stand 53
Consolidated Merchandising with Flyer Roller Skates and B.C.M. Outlaw Pistols - Stands 63-64
Consolidated Merchandising with Mettoy and Corgi - Stands 61-62 and 91-92
Matchbox- (no stands listed)
British Toy Manufacturers - Stands 61-91 and 113-118
Other group Government displays on various stands
AMP Pavilion - displayed most of the sporting goods exhibitors including
Superstar - Stands 78-79
Spank Sportswear - Stands 17-18
Amatil Building
Mattel with Aurora AFX Racing
Fischer-Price
Tonka Toys
Westco Building
Toltoys
Leyland Pavilion
Revell and Southern Model Supplies with Corgi
Toy Centre Agencies/C.F. Barnes & Co with Tuff Trikes
Toy Traders
John Leeman
Commerce Hall
Maurianne Trading
Spalding
Disney Pavilion
Croner Toys
Ford Pavilion
A.T.M.A. Toy of the Year Exhibition
25 Australian manufacturers exhibited with the largest display put on by Cyclops.
Manufacturers' Hall - mostly comprised toy manufacturers and importers including
Toy Traders with Buddy L - (no stands listed)
Fidelity Trading with 'Britains' Models- Stands 59-60
Weirdo Pty Ltd - (no stands listed)
Majorette die cast models - Stands 34-35
Rosenhain, Lipmann & Peers with Spears Games - Stands 69-70
Judius Pty Ltd with Willis Toys - Stands 8-9
Consolidated Merchandising with Mamod Models - Stand 53
Consolidated Merchandising with Flyer Roller Skates and B.C.M. Outlaw Pistols - Stands 63-64
Consolidated Merchandising with Mettoy and Corgi - Stands 61-62 and 91-92
Matchbox- (no stands listed)
British Toy Manufacturers - Stands 61-91 and 113-118
Other group Government displays on various stands
AMP Pavilion - displayed most of the sporting goods exhibitors including
Superstar - Stands 78-79
Spank Sportswear - Stands 17-18
Amatil Building
Mattel with Aurora AFX Racing
Fischer-Price
Tonka Toys
Westco Building
Toltoys
Leyland Pavilion
Revell and Southern Model Supplies with Corgi
Toy Centre Agencies/C.F. Barnes & Co with Tuff Trikes
Toy Traders
John Leeman
Commerce Hall
Maurianne Trading
Spalding
Disney Pavilion
Croner Toys
Ford Pavilion
A.T.M.A. Toy of the Year Exhibition
25 Australian manufacturers exhibited with the largest display put on by Cyclops.
A.T.M.A. Toy of the Year Exhibition
Ford Pavilion - Royal Sydney Showground
7th to 11th March, 1981
A.T.M.A. (the Australian Toy Manufacturers Association) appears to be an intermediate step between T.A.G.M.A. and the current A.T.A., holding its annual Toy of the Year display in the Ford Pavilion, commencing 3 days after the I.T.S.G. Fair. As described above, there were 25 Australian manufacturers exhibiting. This section of the toy fair was opened on Saturday, 7th March by Senator Don Chipp, leader of the Australian Democrats and Senator for Victoria in the Parliament of Australia.
Senator Don Chipp
