ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

Upper Playground always has these great free catalogs in their shops that are cut more like paperback novels than anything Lillian Vernon.  I’ve been saving them because it’s handy to have the artist bios/statements and view each designer’s range and watch how they (and the company) have evolved. To commemorate its upcoming 10-Year Anniversary, Upper Playground has released Upper Playground Volume II, a 112-page hardcover catalog detailing projects, artists and behind the scenes shots from 10 Years of Upper Playground’s artistic endeavors. From vinyl toys to custom-made furniture, Upper Playground’s extensive product offerings are highlighted in Volume II. And, because of its relationship with FIFTY24SF, Upper Playground Volume II also features many of the artists that have showed at the FIFTY24SF Gallery including: David Choe, Alex Pardee, David Ellis, Doze Green, Ben Eine, Basco, Usugrow, Saber, Retna, Date Farmers, Estevan Oriol, Craola, Slick, Armsrock, Anthony Lister, Lucy McLauchlan, Ben Tour, Herbert Baglione, D*Face, Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, and cameos by Too $hort and Fillmore Slim. If you weren’t able to come to any of the shows, buy the products, or see the furniture, this is a great way to catch a glimpse and grab a small slice of Upper Playground history.

Upper Playground Volume II is available for purchase at Upper Playground stores or online here. Some of the featured toys include: Sam Flores’ Fatima, Jeremy Fish’s Barry The Beaver, the Get Small Series, Andy Jenkins Lettus Bee and the Craola Walrus toy.