A job as a civil engineer was a shoo-in after a childhood constructing with Meccano. © V&A Museum of Childhood.

24 Hour Museum Renaissance Student Journalist Jade Wright tore herself away from her swingball to take a look at this nostalgic exhibition.

Everyone remembers their favourite must-have toy. Each Christmas these are the toys children ask for and parents queue for, the ultimate status symbol. This year it was Robosapiens and Bratz dolls and in previous years they’ve been Buzz Lightyear, Tracy Island and Space Hoppers.

This exhibition, at Tullie House Museum in Cumbria until May 15 2005, brings together favourite toys from the last 100 years in the most comprehensive collection of desirable toys ever seen in the UK.

Named after Renaissance painters, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a cultured bunch of kung fu crime fighters. © V&A Museum of Childhood.

It is an exhibition for all generations with popular toys from 1903 to the present day. The best sellers of each year are given top billing, ranging from the humble teddy bear to Britain’s Combine Harvester, the number one toy back in 1978.

The exhibition also examines the effect technology and innovation has had on toys and games. It charts the introduction of plastic as a manufacturing material in the early 1930s, starting with simple designs and developing into complex creations including Mr Potato Head, Lego and Transformers.

Dolls can be seen throughout the decades, changing as technology developed and fashions came and went. Few have weathered the passing years quite so well as Sindy and Barbie, who look younger now than they did 40 years ago.

In the swinging 60s Sindy was an innovative teenage doll, directly influenced by the world of fashion. She was the first toy to star in her own television commercial in Britain, and captivated the market.

There weren't many young boys who didn't feel the force in the 1980s and how better to channel it than with realistic model figures of Star Wars heroes. © V&A Museum of Childhood.

Her rival was Mattel’s blonde beauty, Barbie, who was first launched in New York 1959. The exhibition charts the two dolls' 40 years of competitive rivalry.

Must Have Toys also acknowledges the amazing influence of film and television on the toy industry. The emergence of merchandise, most notably with Star Wars, was to prove a multi-billion dollar industry. Over the years sales of Buzz Lightyear, Power Rangers and Harry Potter toys have almost outstripped the films’ box office takings.

Created by the Museum of Childhood in London, the exhibition is an enjoyable day out with plenty of hands-on opportunities for children and adults alike with replicas and interactive exhibits to try out.

Jade Wright is the 24 Hour Museum Renaissance Student Writer in the North West region. Renaissance is the groundbreaking initiative to transform England's regional museums, led by MLA, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.