Limerick revives magical vintage Christmas window - If Walls Could Talk

FAST becoming a Christmas tradition in Limerick, our vintage toy window is at an advanced planning stage, and we look forward to unveiling it soon.

I first conceived of the idea in November 2021 after a discussion with Randel Hodkinson about our favourite childhood Christmas presents. We very quickly realized that between Randel’s collection and Paddy Waldron’s family collection, we had the makings of a nostalgic window display.

On 28 November 2021, I put out a call on Twitter asking the businesspeople of Limerick for a window in which to display the toys. Several replied and offered assistance including O’Donnell’s Boutique on Catherine Street. The very next day, Joe Nash interviewed me on his radio show, and we got the ball rolling.

After much discussion, we decided to take James Lawlor up on his offer of hosting the display in the windows of Narrative 4, O’Connell Street. We set about creating a trip down memory lane. Apart from Randel and Paddy’s toys, many friends including Janet and Stephen Kingston and Tony O’Connell generously loaned us their precious toys and books. The window was curated by Randel Hodkinson, Lorna Hodkinson and me.

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Nick Rabbitts of the Limerick Leader covered the story. Even though the Covid pandemic was still raging, the initiative was a huge success. Within hours, the word was out, and people gathered at the front of Narrative 4 to gaze in wonder at the display of vintage items including clockwork toys from the 1930s, children’s trikes from the 1950s, Nintendo consoles from the 1990s as well as annuals, Barbie dolls, teddy bears and a Mickey Mouse from the 1920s. The display was enhanced by fairy lights, tinsel and decorations that caused the window to pop during the dark days of winter.

Fast forward to Christmas 2024. We discussed repeating the display. I approached Diarmaid Upton of Studio Saol who had just acquired the former Billy Higgins menswear shop on Sarsfield Street. I knew it was going to be a huge success when Diarmaid exclaimed “I love Christmas”, and so it was! We set about collecting toys, discussing ideas, measuring windows and making display cases until finally we were ready to go. Greatly aided by Diarmaid and his father, Dermot, mother, Pauline as well as his colleagues, Randel, Lorna and I spent many long days crafting the window.

Our Christmas Toy Window was ready by 25 November 2024. Over the course of the next six weeks, the window featured on RTÉ News, Virgin Media News, the Limerick Leader and Limerick Post. People came from all over the country to admire the vast collection of toys. We overheard many happy Christmas memories being shared by those gathered at the large windows. It was especially lovely to see groups of school children peering in the window at the toys.

We have decided to repeat the display for Christmas 2025. We are in the process of getting the collection ready, however, we would like to invite members of the public to loan us their toys – many people did so last year – we would like to display toys that are rare and iconic.

If you have any vintage toys, especially Action Man, Buckaroo, Cindy, Barbie, BMX bikes, Scalextric, Lego playsets, Remote Controlled Cars, G.I. Joe, Twister and Operation, Disney toys, Mousetrap, Space Hopper, Transformers, Fisher-Price Chatter Box Phone, Hot Wheels, Doll’s cots, Doll’s houses, Nerf Balls, Evel Knievel Stunt Bike, Star Wars toys, Stretch Armstrong, Crossfire game, Girl’s World toys, Tiny Tears, the Bionic Woman, Game Boy, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite Dolls, Care Bears, Etch-a-Sketch – and many, many more – please email Paul.OBrien@mic.ul.ie.

All toys will be carefully handled, details recorded in a database and returned in one piece. We look forward to unveiling our magical Christmas toy window in the coming weeks.

Dr Paul O’Brien, assistant professor in Pedagogy of History, Faculty of Education, Mary Immaculate College