Northern Ireland

Auction house facing criticism over golliwog figurine photo

The 11-piece set at Bloomfield Auctions dates from the early 1970s<br />&nbsp;
The 11-piece set at Bloomfield Auctions dates from the early 1970s
 
The 11-piece set at Bloomfield Auctions dates from the early 1970s
 

AN auction house that cancelled a sale of Nazi memorabilia after an outcry is facing fresh criticism after publishing a photograph of golliwog figurines.

Bloomfield Auctions in east Belfast used a picture of football collectables, made by Robertson's jam company, to publicise an event tomorrow.

It uploaded almost 200 photographs to advertise various auction lots - but chose a golliwogs image as its new Facebook cover photo.

Golliwogs first appeared in children's books in the late 19th century before being reproduced as toys, but are now widely regarded as racially offensive.

Robertson's used the golliwog as their trade marks for many years, with customers sending in labels to claim free brooches and figurines, but discontinued it in 2002.

Such figurines remain available on various websites. The 11-piece set at Bloomfield Auctions dates from the early 1970s.

The Facebook post has already sparked controversy with some arguing they are merely collectable figures and others saying they are racist.

One commented: "This will cop a bigger bashing than the German table cloth", a reference to last week's items which included a swastika-emblazoned tablecloth.

The Nazi memorabilia - reportedly produced for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday - was expected to sell for about £20,000. However, the items were withdrawn with managing director Karl Bennett saying they would not sell similar items in the future.

The Irish News has contacted Bloomfield Auctions for comment.