Pomzkizillious

This small privately owned museum in ix-Xagħra was originally set up by Susan and Edwin Lowe from Devon, England in the 1970s. They started out with one doll and today their collection boasts toys and playthings from all over the world.

The name Pomzkizillious comes from the artist and writer of nonsense-verse Edward Lear who stayed in Gozo for one week in March 1866. Although he was only here a short time he noted in his diary that he walked 20 miles a day. He made up the word Pomzkizillious to describe the coastal scenery of Gozo, which he loved.

The oldest objects on display are a late 18th century Maltese Doll with carved wooden head and some Italian Presepio, nativity scene, figurines dating back to the 1790s. Among other attractions there is a 1930’s Noah’s Ark, a “Hornby” Train Set and Edwin’s “Dinky” vehicles, a pressed paper “Hunting Scene” and “Zoo” which have survived over 100 years, as well as a set of soldiers made in the 1970s but dressed in the uniform of the Swedish Army in the 1750s. Also on display is a rare set of unmarked Lead Cricketers and other lead toys including a zoo and farm animals, Cowboys & Indians, Aeroplanes, Ships & Soldiers and an Ambulance Set about 1890s, along with optical toys, soft toys made by Steiff, Lenci and Kathe Kruse, and a few Schuco & Lehmann clockwork tin toys from the 1920/30s.

And did you know, according to Lear, Gozo is a ‘grophibberous’ little place too? Does that sound good or bad? You’ll have to come here yourself to find out!