Edwardian Dolls with Joanne Johnson

In May, 2022, Joanne Johnson graciously shared her knowledge of Edwardian Dolls with the club. She brought some beautiful examples of dolls from the period to share.

Here is a selection from her presentation:

The early Edwardian Period saw rapid societal change: the invention of automobiles, telephones, light bulbs and vacuums. Additionally, political reform and social activism occurred and the emergence of Art Nouveau was reflected in fashion.

Kestner Mold 172

She was modeled after the popular drawings of Charles Dana Gibson from which the term “Gibson Girl” derived. She has a lady-face with long thin nose, closed mouth, very small ears and finely chiseled features.

Kestner Mold 162

This is a dolly faced doll on a lady body. She has an open mouth with 4 teeth. Some of the 162 molds have articulated hands.

During this era, wealthy American families took long vacations to Europe. The girls in the family were given Kestner 162 dolls. As they traveled to Paris they bought extensive wardrobes for the dolls.

Observe this nurse doll, a popular choice and one of the few occupations available to women in this era. This more than likely shows the interest of Princess Alexandra (a popular role model of the era). This is likely her original outfit.

Simon Halbig Mold 1159

These dolls have an open mouth with 4 teeth but some models have a closed mouth. They have bisque socket heads. Larger dolls have molded feathered eyebrows. Sizes range from 12” to 27”. Their wood and composition lady bodies were produced by Handwerck, Jumeau and others.

Members sharing their knowledge and letting the club experience dolls from their collection is one of things we enjoy and appreciate most. It’s certainly a labor of love.

We lost Joanne this year. She was a valued long-time member and she will be missed. It was a pleasure to pull up her presentation and a few of the photos to share one more time.