Catherine of Aragon and Catherine Parr by Kathy Redmond

Kathy sculpts each doll in porcelain and each doll is a OOAK as it emerges from the clay with its own expression and individuality.  Even if Kathy makes more than one portrait doll of an historical figure, no two of them will look exactly alike.  Those expressions are exactly what is most remarkable about Kathy's work.  They impart a life and vibrancy into her dolls that is absolutely singular.  And her extraordinary sculpting talents don't end there.  Kathy gifts her dolls (and doll collectors!) with superbly crafted millinery/head wear and fabulous carved jewelry.  The detail worked into the porcelain is always exceptional and always results in a stunning piece of art.  No Artist Doll collection is complete without some wonderful example of Kathy's work.

Catherine of Aragon is dressed in a shimmering blue and gold brocade gown which compliments her lovely blue eyes and her magnificent blue, gold-trimmed hood.   Her carved jewelry and bodice front are quite extravagant and two lovely carved bracelets grace her wrists.  She also has lovely dainty fingernails!  Catherine is marked on the back of her shoulder plate:  "Catherine of Aragon" along with Kathy's signature logo.

Catherine Parr is dressed in a red brocade gown trimmed with gold and black.  Her "feather-trimmed" hat has been beautifully executed as has her "bejeweled" necklace.  She is marked on the back of her shoulder plate:  "Catherine Parre" along with Kathy's signature logo.

SIZE:  These dolls stand approximately 14 - 14 1/2 inches tall.

United States Historical Society Living Image Doll Abigail Adams

DESCRIPTION:  The United States Historical Society made a wonderful series of "Living Image" dolls depicting famous Americans dressed in fabulous recreations of period costumes, one of the series being Abigail Adams.  This doll is a sheer confection for collectors who covet historic costume dolls.  Her head and hands are made of bisque porcelain with exquisite detail; and she is dressed in period-perfect fashion with every facet of her outfit so artfully constructed that it's difficult to know where to begin in its description.  

The Historical Society took great pains to make Abigail's costume historically accurate.  Her gown is constructed of china silk. "Notice the ruching on the edge of the silk bodice and skirt as well as on the quilted petticoat...[t]he tiny silk roses in Abigail's hair and on the front of the dress and petticoat, the genuine diamond studded ivorene fan, and the tiny strands of pearl jewelry which add a flair of femininity to this serious woman's appearance."   Her shoes alone are a miniature work of art, she wears period-correct ribbon garters to maintain her stockings, and her undergarments rated a small but absolutely fascinating dissertation on period underclothes in her accompanying literature:

Upon examining Abigail you will discover that she is not wearing undergarments.  Her entire costume "as is" is historically accurate.  So many of our collectors have had questions regarding this, that we would like to share with you the following excerpt from our historical research on women's undergarments in the late 18th and 19th centuries.  

In the late 1700's through the 1800's, undergarments were divided into two categories.  Underlinens were worn to protect both the skin and dress as well as to provide support to outer garments.  These consisted of petticoats and chemises, usually made of linens or cotton.  The second category, the structural underwear, shaped the female figure to conform to the fashion of the day.  Structural underwear consisted of corsets, bustles and crinolines.  

Drawers were not worn until the early 1840's.  (Abigail died in 1818.)  These consisted of two tubular legs fastened together only by a band at the waist.  (The inside seams were left open.)  The legs extended well below the knees in the 1850's, and were shortened to the knees during the 1870's.  By the 1880's the legs were seamed together and the bottoms gathered into a band and frilled below the knees.  In the 1890's the legs of drawers were very full and wide, adding volume to skirts and dresses.  

If you will take a moment to notice the doll's undergarments you might be surprised at the intricate detail.  The chemises and underpetticoats were made of the finest cotton batiste.  Tiny scalloped edges follow every curve of the chemise; the corset is made of silk pongee with tiny flowerette holes through which the silk ribbons are laced.  

All of that to describe her underclothes - the parts of her outfit that aren't even seen without (gasp!) lifting her skirt!  Even her stand is special.  Abigail comes with a custom stand made of polished hardwood with an engraved brass identification plate.  The edition is limited to only 2500.  The amount of work and detail in this doll is absolutely unbelievable and it is no wonder that she issued at $525.

SIZE:  Approximately 11 1/2 - 12 inches tall including her stand.

Rare Molded-Hair Parian Doll Kit by Mary Brouse

SIZE:  Head approximately 4 1/2 inches tall, Arms approx. 3 3/4 inches long and Legs approx. 4 inches long.

Martha Thompson Peddler Lady - The Ribbon Seller

Even though she probably would have demurred, people in the doll world admiringly refer to Martha Thompson as a "doller's doll artist", in the same tones reserved for a "doctor's doctor".  Just the mention of her name evokes streams of praise.  Margaret Whitton, former doll curator of The Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, notes:  "She was one of the greatest artists as far as modern dolls are concerned.  Really, no one could match her.  She did all her own sculpting and made her own molds--she did the whole thing."  Wendy Lavitt in her article entitled Legendary American Makers:  Martha Thompson 1903 - 1964, in Dolls magazine.

This wonderful peddler lady is an excellent example of Martha's great talent.  She is one of five different types of peddlers made by Martha.  As with all of her dolls, the attention to detail is amazing.  This darling elderly woman has gnarled hands and gentle "aged" or wizened features.  The laces are clearly visible in her shoes and the wrinkles in her stockings are quite noticeable at her ankles.  Her bonnet alone is a work of art with delicate porcelain lace framing the doll's face, and intricate molded porcelain ribbons securing the bonnet under her chin.  She wears a somber charcoal-gray dress with a spotless white apron appropriate to her station.  Underneath she wears a scrupulously neat white cotton petticoat and bloomer combination.  In her arms she carries her basket of ribbons and laces - the delight of many a young girl, or those young-at-heart!  (The outfit and ribbon basket are not original to the doll.)  She is marked on the back of her shoulder plate with Martha's name and the date and has Martha's stamp on her muslin body.  Martha Thompson's dolls seldom reach the secondary market.    

SIZE:   Approximately 11 1/2 - 12" tall.

Emma Clear Replica Parian Lady Doll Naomi

SIZE:   Approximately 15" tall.

Emma Clear Replica Toddler Dolls:  Little Girl With a Curl...and a Little Boy Too!

SIZE:   Each doll is approximately 21 and 1/2 inches tall.

Lewis Goldstein Artist Original OOAK Lady in Red Debutante

The Lady in Red is an original sculpt in porcelain by Lewis Goldstein, purchased directly from the artist, and looks every inch the "Sweet Sixteen" debutante making her grand first entrance into society...or perhaps she's even the Queen of the Rose Parade!  Dressed becomingly in rich fuchsia satin and silver lame, her fresh face outshines the beautiful "roses" that adorn her gown.  Her undergarments consist of a matching petticoat and pantalettes made up in pink taffeta which no doubt make a pleasant swishing sound when she walks.  Even her charming bouncing curls seem to echo her excitement on this, her special day!

SIZE:  Approximately 18 inches tall.