The culmination of over 10 years of research and trial and error, these painted cloth dolls are reproductions of pre-patent c. 1850-1860 Izannah Walker dolls in my personal collection. Made specifically for the Izannah purist, who values a strict adherence to original construction methods and materials.
I drafted the patterns directly from my antique dolls and made the molds for the pressed cloth heads using the original dolls. The doll’s bodies are made from 100% cotton fabric, their heads are stiffened silk stockinet, and their “second skin” is made from glazed antique linen. They are stuffed with organic cotton stuffing to match the stuffing in the original dolls. All painted areas on the dolls were first painted with gesso and then several layers of artist oils. I drafted the patterns for the doll’s clothing from the garments worn by my antique Izannah Walker dolls (which are original to the dolls).
The dress fabrics are either antique fabrics or reproduction cotton prints, which are usually lined with brown cotton sateen, sometimes known as polished cotton. The sheeting used in the undergarments was taken from a vintage cotton sheet and matches that used in the doll’s original chemise and pantalets. All buttons and most of the lace are antiques. The clothing was sewn by machine and by hand exactly in the same manner as the originals.
Because each of these historically accurate dolls is unique, I am listing the available finished dolls on my blog www.izannahwalker.com. Please visit www.izannahwalker.com to view dolls in progress and to choose one of these authentic reproduction dolls for your collection. Once you find one that you would love to have for your very own, you may call (860-355-5709) or email (paula@asweetremembrance.com) me for the price and to make purchase arrangements. Or to commission a custom-made doll, please contact me. Here are some of the available options.
For dollmakers who are fascinated with these iconic cloth dolls and would like to learn how to make one of your own, I do offer classes, both in person and by mail.
Doll: 32". Stage: 41" h x 33 1/2" w. One of a kind doll made of cotton muslin, painted in oils and dressed in authentic reproduction clothing. Hinged pine stage painted on front and back in style of muralist Rufus Porter and available for additional charge.
Our Price: $1,200.00
Units: doll only
Approximate Shipping Time:
2-3 days
Limited Quantities There Are Currently: 1 Available
Doll: 32". Stage: 41" h x 33 1/2" w. One of a kind doll made of cotton muslin, painted in oils and dressed in antique reproduction clothing. Hinged pine stage painted on front and back with oils in the style of John Brewster, Jr.
Our Price: $1,200.00
Units: doll only
Approximate Shipping Time:
2-3 days
Limited Quantities There Are Currently: 1 Available
This is a 14 ¾ inch tall papier-mâché head doll with a cloth body. Dolls of this type were a New England tradition in the 1840’s. The dolls were strictly meant to be a Christmas decoration. Their clothing, which generally included outdoor garments, was not removable.
Each year the doll would be given one tiny "gift" which was affixed to the doll. If the custom was rigorously followed, eventually the doll’s clothing would become almost completely covered with tiny toys.
Many of dolls the used for this purpose were papier-mâché, with girl dolls being the most common, however boy Christmas dolls are found occasionally.
The doll pictured here has a papier-mâché head that I hand cast from a two part plaster mold that I made from an antique doll head in my personal collection. The head is painted with artist oils. It is dressed in hand painted striped socks, flannel breeches or skirt, a fur jacket made from a vintage coat, hand dyed mittens and a tissue paper and fur hat or fur hood and muff. Each doll carries a flag. Stands and additional toys not included. Your choice of boy or girl.
Based on an illustration from the American Girl's Book. Approximately 26" tall and made of vintage linen, which has been fashioned into individually sawdust-stuffed jointed segmented limbs and body. Face, shoulders and shoes painted with artist oils. Gently distressed to simulate age. Wearing a reproduction print dress (fabrics and colors will vary). The sleeves of her dress are gathered with cotton tapes and the skirt has four broad tucks and a false hem faced in a coordinating fabric.
