Dolls in Salisbury Museum

While I was on our annual family holiday back in England in July, I managed to find time to visit Salisbury Museum. I had been there a few times before but at a time when I wasn’t so much into dolls or historical costumes. This time, however, was very different! I found myself in historical paradise!

And one of the displays in the Costume Gallery is dedicated to dolls! Of course, I have seen them there before but this time I managed to take some pictures (no flash, of course!).

There are eight dolls on display, though I didn’t take detailed photos of all of them.

The French doll in the top left corner is from 1816. Her name is Albina. She has wooden head, arms and legs. The dress for her was made later – in about 1850.

Next to her is an amazing doll. She was dressed by Marie Antoinette herself (for her daughter) while she was imprisoned. She is made of wood.

The doll next to her is called Clara. She is from 1872 and is made of wax.

The doll in the top right corner frightened my 9-year-old daughter because of her teethless grin and I wasn’t going to take a closer photo of her, only to find that I still did it when I photographed the doll next to her!

So, the top doll is called Jessie. She is from 1860. She has a composition head and chest.

The doll next to her is my favourite! Her name is Laura. She is from 1878. She has a bisque china head, glass eyes and jointed body.

Here is Laura’s portrait.

This doll – Lucy – is very special to me because she was made in 1855 and I am particularly fond of that period at the moment! Lucy has wax head, chest, arms and legs and stuffed body.

This doll is stunning because of her gorgeous wedding dress and exquisite hairstyle. She has a wax head and is from 1875.

And the last doll on display is Rose. She has a bisque china head and a papier mache body. She was made by Armand Marseille in 1895.

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