A wonderful collection of Working Models & Old Penny Games, from the piers and seaside arcades of Great Britain.
Working Models, such as the Haunted Churchyard, The Beauty Contest & The Burglar contain scenes that tell a little story, with moving objects and people etc. They are essentially British made.
The collection mostly ranges from the early 1900's to the 1950's.
Can you see them work? Yes, just like the original penny-in-the-slot arcades, they operate with the big old pennies (circa 1837-1971) which can be bought from a change machine or you are welcome to bring your own.
With 22 full sized working models on display, this is the largest public display of old pier models in the country. The room is not large, yet we have managed to fit in about 10 other, popular old penny games, like the Pussy Shooter, Steer-a-Ball & What-The-Butler-Saw (mutoscope). All the models and games are English except for a couple of American examples i.e. The Mutoscope & The Cupid's Post Office.
Entrance is entirely free and the exhibition is open all year round, 7 days a the week, above the tourist office in the Rye Heritage Centre, East Sussex
http://www.ryeheritage.co.uk/default.aspx?n=p&p=oldpiermodels
