Wooden doll called 'Sophie' made in England between 1750 and 1770

Doll called 'Sophie', of painted and turned wood, representing a Caucasian female. The doll has a large head with a brown human hair wig dressed in curls, and inset glass eyes with dark brown irises. The torso is baluster-shaped but flattened at the back and roughly shaped into hips at the base, where slots have been cut to take the thigh joints; the arms are of leather and cotton, tied to the torso; and the legs are of wood, jointed at the knee. The head, neck and shoulders are coated with gesso which has been painted pink.

Doll's chemise of fine white linen, with short inset sleeves. The top neck of the garment folds over at front and back, and fastens beneath the arms with tying strings of white tape.

Two doll's stockings knitted in white linen thread, using stocking stitch, with a shaped heel.

Given by Miss Mills

The doll-making industry thrived in England during the early 18th century and produced some finely detailed examples of good craftsmanship, mostly in wood. But by the 1770s, as shown here, the work was becoming much cruder: the faces flat, with a triangle of wood inserted for the nose; the body and limbs cut roughly; and a finishing coat of painted plaster applied only where it would be visible.

MISC.49&:1 to 3-1963