Exhibition: War Games from WWI

Would it surprise you to know that during the dark days of the First World War, families played their own branded games?

War Games throws light on the boxed pastimes that Britons played while their loved ones were fighting at the front. These aspirational games, with titles such as Race to Berlin, Battle in the Skies or Running the Blockade were enjoyed by all. As the war progressed, toy shops filled with new ideas that reflected the latest war events, such as Konscripto, Bombarding the Zepps and tank manoeuvres. Perhaps a more worrying concept was the game of War Tactics: Can Great Britain be Invaded?

Dexterity puzzles were a popular amusement and contemporary titles included Trench Football and the impossibly difficult Blighty puzzle. Along with a colourful array of jigsaw puzzles, this exhibition includes topical card games such as Spy!! and the hopefully named Catch the Kaiser.

These games and puzzles from the Great War remind us of a forgotten era of family entertainment before the days of radio and television. It seems surprising that not only were these games produced, but also, remarkably, that they survive to be marvelled at a hundred years later.

These World War One games can be seen at the Museum of Brands in the context of hundreds of other period toys. The Second World War offered another opportunity for manufacturers to engage those on the home front, with pursuits like Bomber Command and throwing darts at Hitler.