Doll creations costumed in the designs of historic times such as that of the 15th and 16th century, (the Elizabethan and Shakespearean era) and the Victorian age, have been embraced by doll artists who have a great love for a time where one’s clothing represented status, way of life, romance, royalty and even power. The costuming of these dolls bring viewers back to a revelation of full long dresses, bonnets and large silk flowers and feather hats, ruffled collars, heavy velvet coats and parasols. Designs that create an imaginative setting: a vision of a gliding figure crossing a town street in the early afternoon; the long dress with a hem of lace trailing against a stone road. Historic dolls describe a story of that instance, of that moment. And doll artists of this particular genre, capture that story through their work, technique and their artistry gifts; Doll artists such as Sara Dunlup of Ladye Fayre Dolls and Puppets, Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals and Paula Wagner of Victorian Designed Dolls.
Sara Dunlup adapts brilliantly and vibrantly fine and colorful fabrics in
producing her dolls of porcelain. It is her technique that brings strength to her doll subjects of fairies, English women, wizards and even puppets and marionettes. Her work exudes the essence of fantasy and whimsy.
Linda Walsh creates wooden Victorian dolls, standing from 12 inches to 16 inches tall. Layers of lace, cotton, handmade bouquets and baskets of flowers, lined jackets, ribbons, laced parasols that create an essence that brings the era of the design to come to the forefront of history and time. The dolls are very unique; for the dolls bare no features on their countenances. It may offer doll collectors a chance to look beyond and through their imagination.
Paula Wagner creates porcelain dolls of the Victorian Era. There is the aura of romance in her work, as she uses silks, crystals, pearls and beads for an embellished look of tradition and poise. Dresses of the dolls are in beautiful imported silk fabric, which Paula hand dyes. Under the gowns is batiste petticoats, and hand crocheted leggings. Hats and parasols are also added to the dolls Victorian look. Hats made with silk and dried flowers. Paula also creates doll busts that stand 25 inches high.
These doll artists have chosen to interpret images of past ages, focusing on the historic designs and styles. And with their artistry, doll artists of this genre bring the history of the Victorian age, the 15th and 16th century back in time. Our time; A wonderful form of dolls to add to doll collections. Stay tuned for an interview with Paula Wagner and the dolls she creates. Questions and comments on this article, email Elizabeth.
Comments