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The magical place in France where spinning wood tops are still made by hand

Some of France’s first toy companies, founded more than a century ago in the country’s Jura region in the east, continue to produce small wonders for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. Here, a craftsman deftly manufactures tiny spinning tops and whistles out of wood. Each piece is handmade on a lathe, and requires dexterous work. The whole process is a joy to watch in itself; the creation of small items of wonder.

19 August 2014
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