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Doll

1914 (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 collected 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

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Ceramic and leather
Brief description
Doll made by Erco in Germany in 1914
Physical description
The doll as a bisque head and lower arms and hands. She is attached at the neck to a leather body which is jointed at the shoulders, elbow and hips. Her hair is light brown and possibly human, her face is grey around the eye sockets and has rosy cheeks and lips. Her eyes have dropped into her head. Her arms are detached but tied on with string, there is also a typed note taped to her chest.
Dimensions
  • Height: 480mm (Note: Measured flat)
  • Width: 200mm (Note: Measured flat)
  • Depth: 100mm (Note: Measured flat)
Marks and inscriptions
A square trademark which looks like it has the letters HEU BACH Einco (handwritten) 7 Germany
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.
Historical context
Taped to the dolls body is a typed note stating: This doll was given to Dora Rowlands of Wimbledon Christmas 1914.
Production
Tradename Einco
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 collected 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.31-2010

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Record createdApril 13, 2010
Record URL
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