# Kitschy Salvaged Statuettes Robert Bradford's Recycled Toy Sculptures are Made of Old Plastic By Stephanie Anderson | Published 2011-05-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-toy-sculptures References: [robertbradford](http://www.robertbradford.co.uk/3d-plastic) & [robertbradford](http://www.robertbradford.co.uk/interviews) Robert Bradford creates his [life-sized sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness) completely out of old plastic toys that are no longer useable. This artist also uses other bits of [old, colorful plastic bits and pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hardware) that he can get his hands on such as combs, buttons, brushes and broken clothes pegs. Bradford is a London-born and U.K.- and U.S-trained visual artist who also has another career on the side -- as a psychotherapist. Back in 2002, Bradford started to consider the possibilities that his children’s old toys could become something bigger than just ending up on a landfill. Bradford says he likes the idea that the plastic pieces have a history, knowing that at one time they were personal. These sculptures also pass on a “cultural” history as each of the plastic bits resembles a point in time. Some of the sculptures contain pieces from up to 3,000 toys and they sell for up to £12,000! That is a lot of money for a life-sized sculpture made entirely of plastic toys. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Recycled Toy Sculptures:** Creating large-scale sculptures out of recycled toys provides an opportunity for creating unique and eco-friendly art pieces. - **Sustainable Art:** The use of recycled materials in art resonates with eco-conscious consumers, presenting an opportunity for artists to create sustainable and socially responsible art pieces. - **Nostalgia Art:** Artists can tap into the emotional connection people have with their childhood toys and create unique pieces that evoke feelings of nostalgia and memories. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can innovate by incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly materials into their creative processes, appealing to consumers who value social responsibility and environmental sustainability. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can explore recycling programs and sustainable sources of materials to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. - **Psychotherapy:** Therapists can incorporate art therapy techniques and use recycled materials as a therapeutic tool to help patients express themselves creatively while promoting environmental and social consciousness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Recycled Collectible Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclings.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md) - [Towering Reclaimed Wooden Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louise-durham.md) - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [UK-Based Modern Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/relics-in-the-landscape.md) - [Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md) - [Artful Motion Toy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nina-chanel-abney-bravo.md) - [Recycled Bar Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-installation.md)