A History of Antony Nunn Agencies
Antony Nunn Agencies was started by Antony Nunn in 1998. Antony started working in the Toy trade in 1971 for a large toy importing business, Cowan de Groot of London. Following this, Antony moved to ‘The Russian Shop’ who were retailing all Russian goods. 2 years later, armed with these experiences, Antony moved back up North to his roots and joined the family retail business of Redgates. During this time Antony was in charge of Redgates’ wholesale division, Wilson Gumpert. WG provided a showroom for shop keepers and other retail buyers to view the goods and place orders. Redgates and Wilson Gumpert was instrumental in the founding of Buying group Toymaster which continues strongly today. After this period and the sad closing of Redgates and Wilson Gumpert in 1988, AM international was founded to primarily distribute dolls, children’s toys, nursery goods and humorous garden gnomes! After 10 years, in 1998, Antony went on to forge his own path and Antony Nunn Agencies was established. Antony’s son Patrick joined the business in 2009 and the business continues under their leadership. The brands we currently distribute and work with are; Goetz Dolls, LILALU, Reutter Porcelain, Fridolin, The Bean People and GeoBender.

1857
Establishment of Redgates
Edwin Redgate opens the first store in Fargate, Sheffield, selling furs and sewing machines, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved local institution.
1857
1890
Introduction of Wheeled Toys
Redgates begins selling fur pram covers and introduces its first wheeled toys, marking its initial foray into the toy industry.
1890
1895
Family Partnership
William Nunn marries Edwin Redgate's daughter, Annie Gertrude, and becomes a partner in the business, intertwining the Nunn family with Redgates' future.
1895
1925
Relocation and Expansion
Redgates moves to Moorhead, the first of several relocations, as the business continues to grow and adapt to customer needs.
1925

1940
World War II Impact
The Sheffield Blitz damages the Redgates store, necessitating a move to Ecclesall Road and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
1940

1960
The Hamleys of the North
Redgates builds a reputation as the best toy shop outside of London, earning the nickname "The Hamleys of the North" for its quality and selection.
1960

1968
International Connections
During a trip to the Nuremberg Toyfair, Michael Nunn meets the Goetz doll manufacturers, leading to a significant partnership and expansion into doll distribution.
1968
1998
Founding of Antony Nunn Agencies
After decades in the family business and other endeavors, Antony Nunn establishes his own agency, focusing on distributing dolls, toys, and novelty items.
1998

2009
Legacy Continues
Patrick Nunn joins Antony Nunn Agencies, continuing the family tradition and leadership into the sixth generation of the toy trade.
2009

2020
Commemoration of Redgates
A memorial plaque is unveiled at the site of the legendary Redgates store in Sheffield, celebrating its rich history and impact on the community, spearheaded by Maggie Nunn.
2020