FOUR WOODEN WHIRLABOUTS

FRANCE EA/FR/0088

A toy as old as time – the whirlabout has been entertaining children throughout history, though particularly popular in the 1950s. One would wind a string from the pin all the way around until reaching the groove towards the top. Then, with a determined pull on the string, the spinning top would whirl, propelled by the gyroscopic effect. Finally, the top would wobble, falling in an unpredictable direction. This randomised element often inspired adults, making gambling or fortune telling child’s play.

FOUR WOODEN WHIRLABOUTS

FRANCE EA/FR/0088

A toy as old as time – the whirlabout has been entertaining children throughout history, though particularly popular in the 1950s. One would wind a string from the pin all the way around until reaching the groove towards the top. Then, with a determined pull on the string, the spinning top would whirl, propelled by the gyroscopic effect. Finally, the top would wobble, falling in an unpredictable direction. This randomised element often inspired adults, making gambling or fortune telling child’s play.