Fabulous French Felt Faces!

Lenci or “Lenci-Type?”

Most collectors are familiar with the beautiful felt dolls made by the Italian
company, Lenci. Lenci set a standard in the 1920s for style and quality in felt dolls: expressive painted faces, vibrant costumes, and Art Deco flair. French makers were quick to copy the craftsmanship and style, while adding their own innovations–usually at a lesser price than the prized Lenci dolls. If you have an unmarked doll, it can be a real challenge to determine who made your doll. If it isn’t Lenci, there is a good chance it’s made by one of the prominent French cloth dolls makers:

• Raynal
• La Venus
• Nicette
• Gre-Poir

Not only were the various companies copying the style of the beautiful Lenci creations, but they copied each other as well. Plus, designers and skilled craftsmen moved between the companies. It can take real detective work to determine a doll’s maker if there aren’t marks or tags–these dolls are often called Lenci-Type dolls.

Our member, Beverly Walker, shared her knowledge of the French felt dolls made in the Lenci style and our members shared lovely examples from their collections as well.

If these beautiful faces have inspired you to learn more, look for research and articles by Dominique Pennegues in “Doll News” magazine and other past issues of doll publications such as “Antique Doll Collector.”

Letitia Penn Doll Club meets monthly to learn about and share interesting dolls like these. Visit our Events Page for opportunities to connect with our club. Visit UFDC.org for information on dolls and clubs all around the world. https://www.ufdc.org/