Musee du Jouets - Andre Helle

Samdi 2 Fevrier Musee du Jouets Poissy

You don't expect to fall in love at 5 in the morning online but sometimes strange things happen. I was browsing cookbook author Rachel Koo's fun newsletter and a French illustrator she likes caught my eye and my heart. A special exhibition of his work was at the Musee du Jouets in Poissy outside Paris and I had to go no questions asked when it's instant love.

Bear, who's been very quiet this trip, gave a great whoop of joie at the chance to meet his French ancestor bears

But it was on to the newly discovered objet of my obsession: illustrator André Hellé (1871-1945).

Hellé not only created masses of illustrated books and journals but charming wooden toys to match. His line of toys and books was much sought after and particularly made for the grand magazine Printemps.

There's a modernistic feel to Helle's art..

Simple, graphic, brilliantly colored plus an inherent wit.

Though his work is quite sophisticated it's still wonderfully childlike and playful.

I wish I could show you more...

A child's bedroom at that time could be all-Helle including wallpaper, furnishings, books and toys!

With accompanying music playing by Debussy from the ballet, 'La Boite a Joujou'. 

Helle designed costumes and sets in collaboration with him for his little girl, Emma-Claude, nicknamed Chouchou

If you're visiting to Paris, love toys the musee du Jouets is a mere 20 minutes ride on the RER A5 (last stop) and a short walk from the station to

1, Enclos de l'Abbaye Poissy

Open everyday except Monday
9:30-12 and 2 - 5:30

It's a mini adventure well worth making IMHO.
The Andre Helle exhibit is on till 9 juin. 

BONNE JOURNEE!