Dressed doll

Although at least one 18th century bride doll exists, the idea only became really popular with the growing 19th century fashion for white wedding dresses. Before this date, wedding dresses might be of almost any colour, although blue was one of the most popular choices, and green one of the least.

Physical description

The doll has a moulded bisque swivel head and shoulder plate, stuffed calico body and legs, kid arms, inset blue glass eyes, and blonde mohair wig. She is dressed as a bride in an elaborate two-piece dress of lace-trimmed white satin, with a long train and tasselled sash.

Place of Origin

France (made)

Date

1865-1867 (made)

Artist/maker

Bru (probably, maker)

Materials and Techniques

Bisque, kid and cloth

Marks and inscriptions

B
DEPOSE

Dimensions

Height: 33 cm

Historical context note

Many seamstresses used scraps of material to make doll clothes to earn extra money for themselves. Often the materials were too large a scale for the dolls and this is evident in the lace trim of this doll's skirt.

Descriptive line

Doll dressed as a bride, probably made by Bru in France between 1865 and 1867

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Collectors' Encyclopedia of Dolls, Coleman

Production Note

The style of the dress is 1867. The marks on the doll's head and shoulders appear to be early versions of the Bru factory but there is no conclusive proof.

Materials

Cloth; Bisque; Kid

Techniques

Moulded

Subjects depicted

Bride

Production Type

mass produced

Collection code

MoC

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