Pollock’s Toy Museum & Renishaw Hall Celebrate Diaghilev’s Lost Ballet ‘The Triumph of Neptune’

In the year of its 70th anniversary, Pollock’s Toy Museum is partnering with Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire, the historic home of the Sitwell family, to mark the centenary of a remarkable but long-forgotten ballet.

The Triumph of Neptune, with a scenario by Sacheverell Sitwell and music by Lord Berners, premiered in London in 1926 to instant acclaim. Its fantastical characters, costumes and scenes were inspired by an enchanting visit paid by Sitwell and Serge Diaghilev to Benjamin Pollock’s famous London toy theatre shop, where they discovered traditional hand-coloured prints for toy theatres.

Opening on 22 April 2026 and included with admission to Renishaw Hall’s celebrated Italianate gardens, the exhibition The Triumph of Neptune: Diaghilev, Lord Berners and Sacheverell Sitwell traces how those humble Pollock prints were transformed into one of the most imaginative and ambitious stagings in Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes repertoire.

Visitors will discover specially made and original toy theatres, rare archive photography from the 1926 production, music by Lord Berners, and two spectacular original Diaghilev costumes that capture the colour, creativity and extraordinary ambition of the ballet. Never-before-exhibited letters from the Renishaw Hall archive add intimate detail and atmosphere to this mesmerising story.

Pollock’s Toy Museum, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, is dedicated to preserving the magic of childhood play. It houses a much-loved collection of toy theatres, games, teddy bears, dolls and more. Currently split between sites in London and Croydon while a permanent home is sought, the museum takes its name from Benjamin Pollock, the Victorian publisher whose stock was acquired in 1956 to create the original Pollock’s Toy Museum.

Renishaw Hall (S21 3WB), home to the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years, is renowned for its beautiful classical Italianate gardens. The exhibition runs from 22 April until Christmas 2026 and is included with garden admission.

This unique collaboration brings together two very different but equally enchanting worlds – the whimsical tradition of toy theatre and the glamour of the Ballets Russes – in a celebration of creativity, imagination and cultural heritage.

Tickets for garden entry (which includes the exhibition) can be booked online at https://renishaw-hall.co.uk/upcoming-events/

Boris Kochno, The Triumph of Neptune, Image courtesy Elizabeth of Mar PR