Fans celebrate six decades of Sindy
20th May 2024She has a passion for fashion, enjoys outdoor living and has hobbies ranging from broadcasting to BBQ – Sindy has lived a full life as she celebrates her 60th birthday.
Since her 1960s debut, she has sold more than 150 million dolls worldwide and an exhibition has seen thousands come through its door to see items from two prolific collectors.
Two packed rooms in Chippenham Museum are a sea of pink alongside fan merchandise.
It has been one of its most successful exhibitions, with visitors from all over the world and there has even been a convention in the town.
Sindy loves fashion and adapts to the trends
Sindy turned out to be a force to be reckoned with, especially in Britain, when she came on to the scene in the swinging sixties.
She had a different look to rival Barbie and was meant to look more like a teenager.
She even had flatter feet.
Weekender Sindy was dressed in a jumper and jeans, although she was also a fashion enthusiast.
“The clothes were actually designed by 60s designers – her clothes are what teenagers would want to wear. So they’re not flash, they’re everyday,” said Melissa Barnett, from Chippenham Museum, which is holding the exhibition until 11 May.
The museum’s Melissa Barnett models the box people can have their photo taken in
Even though she likes a casual outfit, there has always been more elaborate clothing to collect, like wedding dresses and even a set of costumes designed by the Emanuels, who were behind Princess Diana’s wedding dress.
However, Ms Barnett explained there is more to Sindy than a passion for fashion.
“Her whole world is very much more about what she’s doing rather than about what she’s wearing.
“So there’s a lot of accessories.”
Designs for Sindy outfits went to the top, with these ones designed by the Emanuels, who where behind Princess Diana’s wedding dress
“If you think about the dolls before then – which were very much babies – this was an iconic doll for teenagers and it did become the bestselling doll by the end of the 60s,” said Ms Barnett.
Sindy has a lot of stories to go with her, including in books and magazines. Plus, friends and family: “She came with a little sister a couple of years later called Patch – and even a boyfriend.
“Move over Ken [the boyfriend of Barbie], this is Paul, who she met at a local dance,” Ms Barnett added.
A friend of Sindy’s, Gayle, was introduced at one point, but only in America.
Gayle was introduced as a friend to Sindy, but was only sold in America.
A later version of Sindy tried to appeal to the American market explained Ms Barnett: “The face goes thinner with bigger eyes, more like Barbie. Later we go back to the rounder face of the original Sindy.”
The exhibition shows off the accessories of Sindy as much as the dolls, with collectors Karen Colley and Bonita spending hours setting up scenes, dressing dolls and the houses.
The original boxes are stacked underneath, with the differences in design, aspiration and style clear throughout the decades.
A few of Sindy’s houses are in the exhibition, set up perfectly on Sindy Street – there is even a country-style house (top right)
Sindy was keen on horses too, with the country house having a space to keep her horse and cart underneath.
The houses are detailed, with chicken dinners, phones and pets.
Always a busy person, other sets include a television studio, hairdressers and camping.
“She was not beholden to Paul in any way I don’t think – she was doing her own thing,” said Ms Barnett from the museum.
Keen to turn her hand to anything, Sindy has also tried out broadcasting
The manufacturer – Pedigree, based in Exeter – has produced a diamond anniversary doll, with a glittery silver dress and heels. She is being sent out to collectors now, but for those still waiting, the museum was sent one early for the exhibition.
Melissa Barnett explained how successful the exhibition has been: “It’s lovely to have a happy exhibition that people can relate to.
“It is one of our most successful exhibitions – over Easter, there were around 150 people a day so for two weeks – that was quite a lot for a small museum.”
For Sindy’s 60th, manufacturer Pedigree has produced a glamourous diamond anniversary doll.
The nostalgia has been a real draw, with the museum visitor book full of comments, including from someone from Seattle, USA.
“There’s people reminiscing – to the point of being quite emotional. Remembering happy times.
“I think the adults have enjoyed it more than the children. It’s remembering your past in a good way,” Ms Barnett.
Plenty of people have been taking the opportunity for a picture in the giant Sindy selfie box too.
So – Sindy or Barbie? Tough choice.
The Sindy Weekender was the first doll to come out – she was later joined by little sister Patch and boyfriend Paul.
Sophie Parker
BBC News, Wiltshire
Style Blogger
14th June 2018
If you want to know what’s hot and what’s not, ask Sindy. This style setter just loves fashion! She always wears the look of the season and loves to add some vintage pieces into the mix too. Always on trend, Sindy is not a slave to fashion and likes to use her sense of style when it comes to putting outfits together. Sindy has an eye for spotting new looks before they hit the high street. She has even taken to writing a weekly fashion blog. Her followers can’t wait to hear Sindy’s tips on next season’s colours, shapes and patterns, and she loves to share her ideas on how to put together the latest looks for less. Sindy is a style guru you can rely on!
“My top tip is to always add your signature to an outfit,” says Sindy, “whether it’s a special necklace or colour. Own your look!”
Winter Fun
Sindy thinks that winter is the most wonderful time of the year. There is nothing more exciting than waking up to find the world has turned pure white. Sindy loves it when her garden becomes a sparkling, magical playground. She can’t wait to go outside. As soon as snow begins to fall, Sindy pulls on her coat and hat and heads out for her first snowball fight with her pals. Instead of snowmen, Sindy likes to build snow princesses. She gives her icy creations long skirts and pretty faces and finishes them with cute accessories such as tiaras and handbags. If more snow falls, Sindy and her pals like to catch the snowflakes as they gently float down. Sindy is always amazed to find that no two are ever the same.
“The best thing about winter? Snow of course!” says Sindy. “I like it best when it’s really deep and you nearly lose your boots!”
Shopping Spree
Whenever they can, Sindy and her friends like to shop till they drop. Fashion is this girl’s passion! Whether it’s a birthday party or off to the cinema, Sindy will find the perfect outfit for the occasion. From skater skirts to skinny jeans, she will pick out the coolest things. Sindy enjoys trying out all the latest trends—mixing and matching with cool accessories. She knows that a cute clutch, some pretty pumps or a hot hair clip will make her outfit zing. But all that shopping can be exhausting. When Sindy’s bagged some brilliant bargains, she and her friends head for their favourite juice bar to share stories, swap style tips, and recharge with yummy strawberry smoothies.
“Shopping is heaven!” says Sindy. “Even if I don’t find anything I like, I always have a giggle with the girls!”
Sindy’s Got Talent
Sindy loves music and dreams of performing on stage. This girl lives to sing! In the shower, while she makes her morning toast, and with her friends, the talented teen can always be found singing her favourite tune. Sindy recently won a local singing competition. The judges commented that her voice was as clear as a bell and that she had great stage presence. Sindy’s idols are Adele and Katy Perry. She admires Adele’s lovely voice, and Katy’s dance moves and quirky fashion sense. One day Sindy hopes that she will be able to sing at a huge concert, just like her heroes. Until then, she’s happy to dance around her bedroom singing into her hairbrush. Today Sindy has an audience of teddies. Tomorrow, the world!
Sindy says: “Performing gives me such a buzz! It’s scary, but my friends are always there for me.”
Swinging 60s
With her chic mini skirt and big curls, Sindy is the ultimate 1960s retro girl. Sindy likes the decade’s bright colours and bold patterns. When she’s in London, Sindy likes nothing better than shopping on Carnaby Street. At home she enjoys experimenting with sixties hairstyles and make-up, and spinning her grandparents’ vinyl discs on her record player. The Beatles are one of Sindy’s favourite pop bands. She adores their sixties sound. A whizz on the sewing machine, Sindy makes her own clothes, often recreating the outfits worn by her favourite sixties stars. When she’s not with her friends, Sindy spends hours chatting with them on the phone, swapping style tips. It’s just as well it’s not the sixties. How would she ever manage to keep in touch!
Sindy says: “The brilliant music and fashion of the sixties is still inspiring people. No wonder—it was all just so groovy!”
School Prom
Sindy is excited. Her school prom is coming up, and she has found the prettiest prom dress. In her gorgeous hot-pink floor-length gown, Sindy is sure to turn heads. To go with her dazzling dress, Sindy’s mum and dad have bought her a pair of kitten heels, a sparkly tiara and a matching handbag. Sindy will look like a true prom princess on her special day. Before the prom, Sindy and her pals are going to get ready together. They will style each other’s hair, sort out and apply their make-up and nail varnish and pick out each other’s jewellery. After all their hard work at school, Sindy and her friends deserve a party and they’re certainly going to celebrate in style. It is sure to be a night to remember. Let’s party!
Sindy says: “OMG, I cannot wait for the prom! It is going to be the best night ever!”
Pool Party
Most girls love to make a splash, and Sindy is no different! She enjoys nothing better than a day at the pool, having fun with her pals. As soon as the sun comes out, Sindy calls up her mates and arranges a poolside get together. Before you can shake a flipper, Sindy’s put on her favourite beach dress and sunglasses and is off, heading for the local lido. Sindy always packs plenty of sunscreen, water and yummy snacks along with her swimsuit and flip-flops. First she and her pals soak up the sun, before diving into the crystal clear pool to cool down. Racing down the water slide is Sindy’s favourite thing. But she and her friends also enjoy just floating around on lilos or playing catch with the pool’s giant pink beach ball. There’s so much to do, Sindy and her pals wish it was sunny every day!
Sindy says: “I like to go down the water slide really, really fast. It’s brilliant!”
Pj Party
Sleepovers are Sindy’s favourite type of get-together. She loves inviting all her chums over for girly giggles and comfy fun. Sindy and her pyjama pals like makeovers and to practice on each other, styling hair and trying on different shades of nail varnish. Sindy enjoys experimenting with her own spa treatments using natural ingredients like yogurt, honey and cucumber. At her pyjama parties, she and her friends test them out. When they have been styled, pampered and polished, the girls flop down on beanbags and watch a film. Sindy loves romantic comedies. Smoothies and popcorn are always on the menu. And, after the film, it would not be a Sindy PJ party without a cosy cup of hot chocolate before lights out!
Sindy says: “Oh, wow, sleepovers! Friends, films, fun. What’s not to like?”