-Fairy Tale House- still bank c. 1880s

This charming "Fairy Tale House" still bank was made by an anonymous maker out of lithographed tinplate. It shows the direct influence of industrial processes on childhood, as tinplate was a mass-produced material. It enabled manufacturers to create affordable, durable, and visually appealing toys and functional items for children. The lithographed designs, mimicking brickwork and idyllic scenes, point to prevailing tastes and aspirations. The house bank represents a social shift towards instilling financial responsibility in children, with the very structure encouraging saving. The use of tinplate also speaks to the era's evolving manufacturing capabilities. Though it may appear quaint today, this "Fairy Tale House" still bank reflects complex themes of industrial production, consumerism, and the construction of childhood values. It blurs the lines between the fine and decorative arts, and everyday life.