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Dolls Head

1888-1925 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This object is one of a collection given to the museum. This collection is quite important as it belonged to Dennis Arkinstall. Dennis worked in the toy industry for a company called Lines Brothers Ltd, they were mostly famous for their Tri-ang range of toys. Dennis was a sculptor and worked in the research and development of new toys for the company in particular the dolls which were produced under the Pedigree trade name. The catalogues highlight that their range of dolls are realistic and produced by a sculptor. We do not know when Dennis started working at the factory but we know that he was an influential figure in the designing of their most popular doll Sindy, which was produced in 1963.

This collection includes dolls from other manufactures as he would have collected them to inspire new ideas. They are often just heads, which was not uncommon as these were usually exported in large numbers and the bodies made at their destination as it was a cheap way to manufacture. The collection also includes moulds and experimental pieces from the factory as well as complete ones in their presentation boxes.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Moulded celluliod
Brief description
Dolls head made by Buschow & Beck in Germany between 1888 and 1925
Physical description
A dolls head made from Celluloid represents a young girl. The head has moulded light brown hair which is jaw length and parted at the side. She has made painted features, including blue eyes and rose cheeks and red lips. Her mouth is slightly open reveling a row of top teeth. At the back of the head on the neck are the markings No 4, Germany, 30. The marking looks like a helmet with a curved line over the top.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10cm
  • Diameter: 23cm
Marks and inscriptions
No 4 GERMANY 30
Credit line
Given by Donald Arkinstall
Object history
This item belonged to Dennis Arkinstall, who worked for Lines Brothers Ltd as a sculptor. It was given to the museum by his son after his death.
Production
Riechenbach
Summary
This object is one of a collection given to the museum. This collection is quite important as it belonged to Dennis Arkinstall. Dennis worked in the toy industry for a company called Lines Brothers Ltd, they were mostly famous for their Tri-ang range of toys. Dennis was a sculptor and worked in the research and development of new toys for the company in particular the dolls which were produced under the Pedigree trade name. The catalogues highlight that their range of dolls are realistic and produced by a sculptor. We do not know when Dennis started working at the factory but we know that he was an influential figure in the designing of their most popular doll Sindy, which was produced in 1963.

This collection includes dolls from other manufactures as he would have collected them to inspire new ideas. They are often just heads, which was not uncommon as these were usually exported in large numbers and the bodies made at their destination as it was a cheap way to manufacture. The collection also includes moulds and experimental pieces from the factory as well as complete ones in their presentation boxes.
Collection
Accession number
B.20-2010

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Record createdApril 7, 2010
Record URL
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