A Gallery for Summer; Dolls, the Solstice, and me

Summer brings hope, and melancholy memories.  We are engaged in a variety of doll related projects, from programs to historical societies and work on our book on doll history and culture.  We cover the range of space toys and space law, to collectibles columns by the NY Times, fabulous finds, therapeutic doll hobbies, collecting, repairing, and more.  This month, I will be writing about art dolls in Antique Doll Collector, and my blog posts on Ruby Lane will continue to appear.  Some have my name as guest blogger, for those who count these things.

In light of family medical issues, I have to say that most days are work and running home to see what is happening.  It has been a constant diet of disaster du jour for everyone, but I see my mother in my mind's eye telling me never to give up.

I find writing to be the most helpful activity, with creating doll fairy gardens and miniature scenes next. These tell a story, and are made of many objects culled over the years that have just waited for that special moment.

For all of you, here is another link to the amazing Yamasaki Palmira Doll Collection, which may be translated into English once you reach the site. Enjoy: http://www.geocities.co.jp/PowderRoom/4336/

One quest I am on is to discover where the Whistling Bru whose owner was shot by the NAZIS as a spy is.  She appears in Helen Young's book, The Complete Book of Doll Making and Collecting, 1967.  Please write if you know, I and a colleague who works on recovering art stolen by the NAZIS would like to know. the girl allegedly too her dolls to a French convent for protection.  After she was shot, the nuns sold them, about six or seven in all, to an American doll dealer who sold all but one.  The dealer also bought hand crocheted lace created by the nuns and sewed it on the dolls costume.

So, here are a few photos.  Enjoy.  Lately, I have found a portrait doll of Rose O'Neill, many 80s, 90s miniatures, an original Strawberry Shortcake character in her box, trolls and Pee Wees in their boxes, Uneeda dolls, a black F.G. fashion with painted amber eyes, a large Handwerck, several 80s Barbies n their boxes, mint Seymour Mann dolls, many modern collectibles for less than a dollar, in box, a collection of 8 inch, handmade Victorian Doll Clothes for Alexander's little women, CPK and Faye Wine original patterns, and much more.  the 80s and 90s dolls are a find; I have had to fill in that part of my collection.  I was in school those years, and not buying many dolls. I also scored, finally, the last Hatchimal at Target!

Japanese Ceremonial Dolls, Public Domain