Hello Dollies

Searching for my pictures from the last big British royal
wedding and finding everything else but. Including some
projects from my creative past. Tons of illustrations
along with some dolls and puppets.
The slides are old and beginning to yellow, but with a 
little help from Photoshop thought I'd share these.

Always interested in clothing and costume, I made these

for fun when an idea occurred. A college friend Jane T.

was the inspiration for this one. The first couple of years 

in college, I made doll portraits of friends which I gave

as presents.

Wally Neibart, well known satirical Illustrator, an early

mentor, purchased my 18th century gent which he keeps 

under a glass dome on his mantle. 

http://www.wallyneibart.com/index.html

I gave these folks bendable knees, elbows etc. so they could be posable.

A few potty (as in nutty) flowering plants. 

The stems were green wire so they could also change pose.

My attempt to portray famous 60's model, Peggy Moffitt,

designer Rudy Gernreich's muse.

fashion photo of Peggy Moffitt

   included for comparison

May be a few more, if I have time.

Remembering Jane

This week Jane Flory Friedman, 
my old friend and mentor has been 
gone five years,

                                   

Wall Hanging, Jane Flory Friedman, 1999

For the 40+ years that we were 
friends, along with raising a family, 
caring for a disabled husband, 
running the Evening Division at 
what is now the University of the Arts 
and writing and illustrating her books, 
Jane was working on needlepoint or 
pieced and appliqued quilts. Rugs, 
wall hangings, large bed quilts, quilted 
throws and my special favorites, doll house 
size quilts and rugs. Here are just two 
examples of her many colorful joyous pieces.

Doll house size bed quilt, 4"X4", Jane Flory Friedman

More to come in future

Il Famoso Ignoto

Went to Naples, Italy to see the 
antique presepi figures in the 
Museo di San Martino. 

Un presepe is a nativity scene. In Naples, the 
presepi take on operatic proportions. 

Not surprising. Naples is home to 
the oldest opera house in Italy, 
il Teatro San Carlo, built in 1737.
Many of these elaborate displays belonged 
to wealthy aristocrats. Some to churches.

In the museum, one glass case after another 
of exquisitely crafted, costumed and detailed 
miniature objects, animals and figures 
depicting all aspects of life in old Italy in 
miniatura.

Clay, wood, silk, wool, silver, copper, brass 

and jewels worked with extraordinary skill, 

keen observation, great wit and humanity. 

My costume, doll, folkart and miniatures 

loving heart nearly leapt from my chest.

Only problem, no photo taking permitted
nor was there a museum shop with postcards 
and books. 

Many quick sketches and much note taking. 
One artist, Ignoto, seemed most prevalent.
Not only did Ignoto seem to have made 
almost everything, I soon realized he was 
active for several centuries....
With only 6 years of Italian language study
behind me, it suddenly dawned....
Ignoto, Italian for Anonymous. ;-)

(click on images to enlarge)

                              
PS
Without these two beautiful books, there would be no images to show you.
       Il Presepe Napolitano, by Allessandra Griffo, De Agostini 1996
      Il Presepe Napoletano del Settecento, Electa Napoli 1995

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.