Robert Tonner Introduces Hollywood Sensation Lacie Churchill
Martha Chase, Progressive Kindness
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 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 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
Fashioning Innovation, Madame Alexander at 100 Part 1
Sara Woodbury
Guest Curator at The Barry Art Museum in Norfolk Virginia USA.
Madame Alexander a Century of Style with Bruce A. de Armond
Bruce A. de Armond
Doll Edition
Madame Alexander
Celebrating 100 Years of Style.
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
Rosalie Whyel, Beyond Priceless
The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art in Seattle Washington.
Simon and Halbig with Rosalie Whyel and Shelley Helzer with host Rachel Hoffman.
© 2023, Louisa Maxwell, All Rights Reserved
The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry
Hello, World!
Sara Woodbury
Guest Curator The Barry Art Museum
© 2023, Louisa Maxwell, All Rights Reserved
World Doll Day
World Doll Day
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
Maison Huret, The Finest French Fashion Dolls, with Valerie Fogel
© 2023, Louisa Maxwell, All Rights Reserved
Designing Barbie with Bradley Justice Yarbrough and host Louisa Maxwell (Episode Replay)
Image Courtesy of Bradley Justice Yarborough.
The original idea for Barbie came from Ruth Handler who headed Mattel toys at the time with her husband Eliott. The team that brought Ruth Handler’s vision to life included Fashion designer Charlotte Johnson, who designed Barbie’s original wardrobe. A more unusual member of this team was engineer Jack Ryan - whose back round included inventing missiles for the the military.
Engineer and innovative designer Jack Ryan in front of his castle.
Designer Charlotte Johnson. Image Courtesy of Bradley Justice Yarbrough
The First TV commercial featured the result of all the design teams hard work and creativity resulting in Barbie doll and her detailed range of costumes.
Bradley discusses the number one Barbie doll with Rachel Hoffman of the Virtual Doll Convention.
© 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.
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
Gene Marshall & Mel Odom, Films and Stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age
Award winning artist and illustrator Mel Odom joins host Louisa Maxwell on The Doll Podcast.
Mel Odom’s work has graced magazine covers for: Time, Omni, The New York Times , Rolling Stone, Blue Boy and Play Boy. He has created artwork for numerous best selling books and album covers for CBS records.
Mel’s art deco influenced portraits are reminiscent of dramatically lit Hollywood film stills, his love of film and beauty inspired him to make Gene Marshall, a fashion doll and star of stage and screen.
In our interview Mel reveals the films and stars that gave him inspiration for Gene and her career. He also shares memories of his best friend and real life MGM Movie Star, Marsha Hunt and the doll he made in her likeness to honour her.
It was a drawing of a beautiful face that inspired Mel Odom to create Gene Marshall, a movie star of Hollywood’s golden age of the 1940’s and 50s’. When she was launched in 1995, the press heralded Gene with the headline:
“A star is born and she’s a doll!”
At fifteen and a half inches tall Gene towered over the competition and won the hearts of millions of fans.
Mel also shares some stories of his friend real life Holly wood star of the stage and screen Marsha Hunt. With a career spanning nearly 80 years Marsha Hunt starred in: These Glamour Girls at MGM, Pilot No. 5, Carnegie Hall, The Valley of Decision, None Shall Escape, Pride and Prejudice and many more.
Mel created a doll of Marsha Hunt Mel Loves Marsha in honour of the 2004 Gene Convention which Marsha attended to greet film fans.
Monolith Studios Presents
Of course in Hollywood every leading lady has a rival and Gene Marsahall’s rival is the tempestuous beauty Madra Lord. In 2000 Madra Lord swept on the scene and The Hollywood Gazette hailed Madra as:
“….known for her beauty, revered for her talent, feared for her temper…Watch out for Madra Lord”
Monolith’s leading man is Trent Osbourne who was described in the Hollywood press as : "Star of stage, screen and scandal!”
Star of Broadway musicals Violet Waters always strikes the right note on and off stage. She travels the world wowing audiences with her sensational voice and wardrobe too.
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
Theriault’s auction gallery.
The Important Legacy Doll Collection of the Late Sandy Kralovetz
Every Doll Tells a Story with Stuart Holbrook - Part 1
Stuart Holbrook
“Never Ending Stories”
Stuart will be launching his book at the the UFDC convention and it will be available from Theriault's.
,Theriault's » "Cherished" Marquis Doll Auction Weekend Featuring the Important 50-Year collection of Lila Rait of Victoria, Australia, author of the 1989 book Through the Nursery Window (Oxford University Press, 1989).
The Important 50-Year collection of Lila Rait of Victoria, Australia.