Doll-making is on the map - Peggy Nisbet dolls in Weston-super-Mare

Clive Gunnell reports for Westward TV on dolls produced for the Bicentenary of American Independence. In 1952 Peggy Nisbet started to make dolls with the help of her Aunt Kitty. Dressed in historical and national outfits made the dolls unique and popular. The two women grew their company called the House of Nisbet which was the second largest doll manufacturer in Britain. Nisbet dolls put Weston-super-Mare on the map with collectors worldwide.

In 1979 Peggy Nisbet was awarded an MBE for her contribution to the export trade. The dolls were produced in batches, many of Peggy's skilled employees were outworkers, meaning the employment of mothers with young children, carers or the disabled was high and they could earn a living from home. The first factory based on Whitehall Road in Weston-super-Mare was burnt to the ground in 1970 but due to the use of outworkers the company was almost able to continue production the next day.