Lost In Bath

My first Roche doll

On a visit to England over 25 years ago I traveled

to Bath to see the sites including the Assembly 

Rooms which house a costume museum.

One of the things I love most about the Brits.

They never throw anything away. When they save

enough of something, they open a museum. 

Trains, antique plumbing fixtures, complete streets 

of old shops, farm life, carriages, cars, planes, jails 

and anything else one can think of and plenty 

one wouldn't. 

Closest to my heart, genuine old garments and accessories.

Many with historical associations and some represented

in portraits worn by the original owners. Then there are 

theatrical costumes. 

The Assembly Rooms, Bath

Off I went, map in hand through honey colored Bath.

Found the Pump Room and the Roman Baths.

Then off to find the Assembly Rooms. 

All the time thinking - Jane Austin. Its her town.

Walked a bit too far along Walcot St. parallel to the 

River Avon and became a little lost. On my left a tiny

shop window with doll house miniatures.

Wrong street maybe, but definitely up my alley.

Went in and was greeted by a friendly young man in 

the small front room. Near the window, a table of heart 

touchingly beautiful dolls. Porcelain heads, pretty hand 

painted faces, blond, brunette and ginger pigtails. 

Articulated arms and legs, wearing smocked Liberty of  

London print dresses and delicate hand knit cardigans.  

In the next room, a dark haired young woman sewing dolls 

clothes. (The job of my dreams.) Took a while to choose 

the right doll. Carried on my lap the entire flight back to 

Philadelphia. So went my introduction to Lynne and 

Michael Roche, Dollmakers  extraordinaire. Early days 

of their spectacular collaboration. 

Now, internationally recognized Masters of their craft.

See for yourself at  http://www.roche-dolls.co.uk/

Lynne and Michael Roche (with permission)

The following year, I made a bee line back to Bath. So looking 

forward to another visit and another doll. But the shop door 

was locked! A note on the window told me they were in New 

York City at the toy fair. Aaahhhh!! Slipped a card under the 

door bearing greetings and disappointment (tears couched 

in humor).

Found some of their dolls in London at The General Trading Co. 

in Sloan St and in a Burlington Arcade Shop. Naturally, prices

had doubled. But that didn't stop me. My sister in law, Debbie

had asked for one also. 

Sent the Roches a copy of Goldie The Dollmaker, by M.B. Goffstein.

For a number of years, they sent copies of their handmade catalogue.

The book, A Celebration of Enchantment, by Barbara 

Spadaccini-Day, celebrates their 25th anniverary (2005) 

as superb Doll Makers.

My assistant, Fred E. Cat helping 

set up the shot.