Martha Chase, Progressive Kindness

The Doll Podcast

American doll maker and entrepreneur  Martha Jenks Chase  worked during an exciting time in American history, the progressive era (1896-1917 ) a time of social change, political reform, recognition of the rights of women and workers.

Chase was  a wife and mother living in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and was an advocate of progressive principles. She came from a medical family and observed advances in science, nutrition, child development and medical care.  When it came to her children she wanted toys that would stimulate their imagination, be robust, washable, ready for all their childhood adventures and cuddly too. Not satisfied with the china and bisque dolls available Martha worked to create her own doll more in line with her progressive philosophy.

Throughout the history of doll making we see innovation as a reflection of what is happening in society. This exhibition at the Barry Art Museum not only showcases Martha Chase’s inspiration to create a play doll that was tactile, unbreakable and fun, it is also the story of the community of artists and craftspeople that the dolls built .

Martha Jenks Chase

Martha Jenks Chase a woman born in the Victorian age with progressive ideas about health, society and toy design.

Mrs Chase’s doll making studio was aptly named “The Doll House”.

Lilli Baitz, Rare Dolls from the Collection of Rosalie Whyel

Rosalie Whyel’s collection of Lilli Baitz dolls of stars of the stage and screen including: Lily Langtry (1852-1929), Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928) and Katharine Cornell (1893-1974). Images courtesy of Theriaults.

Nativity scenes and traditional Austrian costume by Lilli and Roman Baitz . Die Ausseer Trachten Krippe im Kammerhofmuseum Bad Aussee.

Lilli Baitz’s dolls were part of the collection at the Traphagen School of fashion. Daily Record Morristown, New Jersey · Thursday, February 09, 1984

 

Rosalie Whyel, A Life in Dolls with Stuart Holbrook

Rosalie Whyel A Life in Dolls with Stuart Holbrook and Louisa Maxwell

Rosalie Whyel and some of her collection.

Some highlights from the collection:

Extremely Rare French Bisque Poupee with Extravagant Jeweled Necklace by Rochard.

Important Pair of French Bisque Bebes by Maison Huret with Costumes and Provenance.

Very Important English 18th Century Wooden Dolls in Original Native American Crees Costumes

Extremely Rare German Bisque Art Character, Model 105, by Kammer and Reinhardt.

Extremely Rare American Cloth Doll by Izannah Walker.

Japanese "Friendship" Doll "Miss Kantoshu" with Accessories and Provenance.

All images courtesy of Theriault’s Auction House.

Simon and Halbig doll exhibit with Rosalie Whyel and Shelley Helzer and host Rachel Hoffman.

 

Fashioning Innovation, Madame Alexander at 100 Part 2

A No 1 Barbie  doll  with her original costumes has joined the doll collection at the Barry Art museum. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE BARRY ART MUSEUM.

THE BARRY ART MUSEUM celebrates Madame Alexander. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE BARRY ART MUSEUM. Left to right back row: Sharon Davis, Fashion merchandising at ODU and Alexander collectorBradley Justice, independent, Barbie, Curator, and researcherBruce DiArmond, independent Alexander, Curator, and researcher, Carolyn Barry, museum Founder and Aliya Zafar, independent Doll conservator.

Front row left to right: Sara Woodbury, curator of collections and exhibitions at the Barry Art Museum,Charlotte Potter Kasic, executive Director at the Barry Art Museum and Diane Dibexedon, independent doll conservator

Barbie, The Evolution of a Fashion Doll

The rare number one Barbie and how to identify her.

 

Barbie doll has made some savvy real estate investments over the years but her first mid-century modern Dream House is a vintage time capsule. Barbie expert Bradley Justice Yarbrough takes you on a tour.

 

Barbie dolls ability to transform is one of the secrets of her success. Time Magazine explores Barbie’s new look.

 
 

The Doll Podcast Barbie Archive with Louisa Maxwell and Bradley Justice Yarbrough

World Doll Day

World Doll Day

The Doll Podcast

Mildred Seeley’s Letter

The Grovian Doll Museum

Michael Canadas and David Robinson of the Grovian Doll Museum are planning a big celebration for World Doll Day with workshops and presentations by noted speakers from the world of Dolls. Learn more at : www.facebook.com/groups/worlddollday

© 2023, Louisa Maxwell, All Rights Reserved

Barbie, Selling The Dream with Bradley Justice Yarbrough

Bradley shares exclusive stills from one of the earliest Barbie doll commercials. Images are the property of Bradley Justice Yarbrough.

Storyboards for a Barbie doll commercial by Cynthia Roberts.

The magic of Vintage Barbie doll in these early commercials.

Barbie doll vintage advertisement.

Hey there Barbie girl !

Barbie on the big screen!

The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester New York

Meet the Collectors Event

Wednesday, April 12
6–8:30 p.m.

This event delves into the doll collections and stories of Ann Coleman, Bradley Justice, Dr. Brigitt Rok-Potamkin, and Dr. Sabrina Thomas—world-renowned collectors who will share the stories behind their personal collections, some of which have been entrusted to The Strong. Guests will mingle with our speakers; enjoy beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres; learn how and why Ann, Bradley, Dr. Rok-Potamkin, and Dr. Thomas began collecting—and explore the content and importance of their collections and artifacts.

© 2023, Louisa Maxwell, All Rights Reserved

Every Doll Tells a Story with Stuart Holbrook Part 2

Stuart Holbrook

Every Doll Tells a Story Part 2

If you missed part 1 you can find it on Apple Podcasts or our website:Every Doll Tells a Story Part 1

Below: Golden Age of Ningyō Japanese Dolls from the Ayervais Collection

Florence Theriault presents"The Ayervais Collection of Japanese Ningyō" - Gosho Ningyō (Palace Dolls) Part 1 of 4.

Theriault’s auction gallery.

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