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Sunday, 5 February 2023

PRECIOUS JULES: The Vernian Toy Designs of Libuše Niklová

In 2015 I posted an obscure plastic bubble bath toy inspired by Jules Verne's Nautilus. 
 
Peering further into Jules I discovered the designs and oeuvre of Czech Libuše Niklová described as the 'world queen of toys'. She is seen as an icon of accordion-based plastic toy design.


According to Wikipedia the Nautilus was a Vernian toy she designed for Fatra Napajedla in 1966. Niklová designed 3 toys based on Jules Verne’s novels: Nautilus, Albatros [from Robur the Conquerer] and Epouvante [the Terror from Master of the World]

Designed for Expo 1967 in Montreal, Canada, they didn't appear due to the previous Czech regime's politics [they were seen as too Western]. Eventually they got into production, the Nautilus in 1967, The Terror or Epouvante didn't get further than a prototype.

You can read more on the website devoted to this famous Czech designer.

There are quite a few video's featuring her work on You Tube like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MktMAQvd518

Here are some pictures of the beautiful blue plastic Libuše Niklová Nautilus from the net. 
Have you got one?
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11 comments:

  1. Paul Adams from New Zealand2/05/2023 1:40 am

    The Queen of accordion-based toy design. That is a pretty specialised niche. The Nautilus is a great design. A very interesting lady.

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    1. WOODSY2/05/2023 6:38 pm

      Sounds like she was a genius Paul. I've seen toys like these. Classic designs.

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  2. Arto2/05/2023 3:56 pm

    A bit of trivia: In Finland they produced the kitten shown on the shoulder of Ms. Niklova, only twice the size. Both toys are dear to me - and you can really play them!

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    1. WOODSY2/05/2023 6:39 pm

      That's fab Arto! Do you see here toy's at toy fairs and flea markets?

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    2. Arto2/05/2023 8:01 pm

      Very seldom indeed Woodsy. I have two Finnish ones and one Czech original. That's all in 20+ years!

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  3. Ed and Bettina Berg2/05/2023 5:26 pm

    I love that steampunk sub - never heard of it's designer or the toy before this. Very cool!

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    1. WOODSY2/05/2023 6:40 pm

      It was fun finding about about her Ed. I think the sub toy is a scarce one.

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  4. lewis p morley2/05/2023 8:32 pm

    That slatted hull design instantly reminded me of the Czech fantasy film I knew as a child "The Fabulous world of Jules Verne".
    I only just learnt it originally had a different name.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invention_for_Destruction

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  5. Anonymous2/06/2023 12:38 pm

    that blue Nautilus is wonderful! Bill

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    1. WOODSY2/06/2023 8:38 pm

      Bubble bath and a Nautilus! Fun times in the tub!

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