Warbrook - GID (ToyCon UK)

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. Founded in September 2011 by Lee McSweeney and Jayne Goddard, Collect and Display began it’s journey into the vinyl toy scene. A common interest in the history of the artists involved in the pieces brought the idea of Collect and Display and so the company was created. Selling solely Star Wars plush on eBay we set out to prove ourselves to the toy industry. By providing a second to none customer service we stood out to the avid EBay shoppers. Within months a website was born and our determination paid off as we took our first step towards the Vinyl Scene. Starting with the most simple but popular products including the wonderful DIY selection from Kidrobot we began to get noticed and began to sell out. New stock and new product variants were taken on rapidly. Lessons were learnt but sales kept us busy. 1 Year on and a handful of amazing suppliers under our belt we have a whole new website, a whole new selection of stock and a very busy office. Every week we are growing more and more and branching out with new products and to a whole new group of collectors. Our journey certainly hasn’t been the easiest but it has definitely Wetworks first started getting attention through his line of limited-run, original mixed-media figures, and various fan art collections based on his favorite characters from comic books, movies and TV. His approach to creation and design is driven by his desire to continuously evolve his craft through experimentation and true collaboration with fellow artists and designers. And staying true to his roots when he first dabbled in toy design, Wetworks doesn't stick to just one style or material when bringing his characters to life. Wetworks graduated with a degree in Fine Arts with a major in Industrial Design but found himself in the world of Mad Men after college. After spending almost a decade and a half creating works for clients that would make even the legendary Don Draper jealous, Wetworks decided to pursue his passion for toy design beginning with one-off customs and commissioned pieces. He hasn't looked back since.