Wooden doll with fashionable dress and accessories, England, 1755-1760

Wooden and carved doll in an 18th century costume including a cap, necklace, robe, two petticoats, two engagements, two mittens, stomacher, chemise, corset, under-petticoat, pocket, pincushion, pair of stockings, pair of shoes, fob watch, etui and its wooden box.

The watch of the doll is marked "Eliz. Bootle". The doll is associated with the Loveday family, although the Bootle name entered the family on the marriage of Robert Wilbraham to Mary Bootle in 1755. Robert took Mary's name under the terms of her uncle's will, therefore the Wilbraham-Bootle family of Rode Hall, Cheshire became the Bootle-Wilbraham family (connected to 1st Baron Skelmersdale)

The doll descended through the Loveday family, who were second cousins of the Wilbraham-Bootles. The only children traceable in 1980 (when the research was done) that might have owned the doll were Penelope Loveday (b.1759) and her sister Sarah (b. 1761), who were daughters of John Loveday, a descendant of the Wilbrahams. They were on visiting terms with the Bootles. However, it must be emphasised now, as it was in 1980, that none of this is documented and can only be considered supposition.

The doll was, prior to being acquired in 1980, displayed for a number of years in the Fashion Gallery as a long loan from the family.

Reason For Production: Private

This wooden figure is dressed in a silk sack with matching petticoat and stomacher. She wears all the accessories and underpinnings of a fashionable lady of the late 1750s. The original headed pins suggest that the garments have remained in position since the 18th century. Dolls as large and elaborate as this example were not intended as toys for young children in the 18th century, but made for the enjoyment of older girls and women.

T.90 to V-1980