Holly Peterson, 1997 Graduate
Kinder Surprise Toys, Hollins Abroad London, Spring 1996
“The toys are found inside chocolate eggs. These are ubiquitous items for most of us who studied abroad, as the eggs are legendary for being illegal to import into the US. As such, we purchased lots of them during our studies and travels to the UK, as they were something we specifically could not get in the US. To me, these symbolise the differences in the way the US and other countries (in this case, Europe) approach life - making some kinds of toys and chocolates legal or illegal.” (Peterson)
During her 1996 Spring semester in London, Holly Peterson began collecting a surprising array of illegal objects. Although these candies are treasured across Europe, Kinder eggs are illegal to import into the United States as they are considered a choking hazard for young children. This ban did not stop Peterson from amassing a small accumulation of the toys found inside the Kinder egg’s chocolate shell.
—Alyssa Lawhorn ‘26
Holly Peterson, 1997 Graduate
Assorted documents and flyers, Hollins Abroad London, Spring 1996
“I have an assortment of flyers and documents from my time studying in England - from my International Student Identity card to railcards to my tube season ticket. I also have flyers from numerous museum exhibitions, club night advertisements and other promotional materials that give a glimpse into student life in London in the mid-1990s. It's a record of what myself and my classmates did during our semester and each evokes a memory.” (Peterson)
Holly Peterson’s collection of flyers and documents from her time in London, England, during the spring 1996 semester. Museum exhibition pamphlets, tube tickets, and railcards showcase the diverse activities in which Hollins students participated while immersing themselves in London’s rich culture. London’s impact on Peterson extends beyond her four years at Hollins, as Peterson returned to the city to pursue her master’s degree at the London School of Economics and continues to call London home today.
—Alyssa Lawhorn ‘26