Golliwogs on sale at arthritis fundraising event in Kent leave visitors in shock

Organiser Jane Clark, widow of Tory MP Alan Clark, said dolls were 'beautifully made'

Dollmaker claimed that the complaints came from "do-gooders" who did not understand the history of the golliwog (SWNS/KM Group)

A charity fundraising event held by the widow of a Conservative MP has sparked complaints after visitors spotted “racist” golliwogs on sale.

The dolls, which are based on a black fictional character who appeared in children’s books in the late 19th century, were put on display at an arts and crafts stall in the grounds of Saltwood Castle in Kent.

Rebecca Wise, a 25-year-old trainee architect, said she was dismayed the controversial children’s toys were being sold to raise money for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).

“The idea of trying to make new ones and profit off their history is shocking,” she said.

When she confronted one of the organisers he told her he “had lots of black friends and they did not have a problem with the dolls”, Ms Wise claimed.

“He said to me that he thought it was a really great representation of black people and they should feel grateful that we have them on display on a stall.”

Golliwogs were once popular toys in the UK and featured in some of Enid Blyton’s books but are now widely seen as representing negative racial stereotypes.

“To me I feel the exaggerated look of the doll is offensive and with its big lips, hair and outfit, and they represent racist depictions,” said Ms Wise.

“I feel that the doll has come to represent something quite different over the years and I understand some people may have different views.

“But there is no need for this any more. It’s an event for charity, which has a right to know where the money is coming from.”

Christine Skeham, the stallholder selling the dolls, claimed that the people making complaints were “do-gooders” who did not understand the doll’s history.

She said: “I brought six that I made myself and I only have one left, I think it’s the younger age group who get upset about this.

“You only have to read an Enid Blyton book to see golliwogs are not racist. People sell them in shops, I’m not the only one selling them, some people just don’t understand.”

Castle owner Jane Clark, the widow of Conservative MP Alan Clark, defended the stallholder by saying the dolls “beautifully made” and “not racist”.

“I bought one myself,” she said. “I feel rather upset for the owner of the stall that someone has complained.

“They are not racist at all and they are beautifully made. The owner refers to them as ‘gollis’ rather than golliwog.”

A spokeswoman for the NRAS said that they were not involved in organising the event and were simply chosen as one of the charities receiving the proceeds.

“Unfortunately we were not aware the dolls were being sold at the event,” she said. “We thought it was a beautiful day with lots of arts and crafts.”