Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Loved Through the Years: Three Centuries of Black Dolls

 The opening to my show was February 12, 2012. It was wonderful. There was a nice turnout and all my work has paid off. There was also a reporter there from one of the local newspapers, so I'll be seeing my face again.


Here I am with Lee Mecum who helped put this together, and Carolyn Mills Allen who had her collection of contemporary dolls at the exhibit.




The Delta Arts Center people did a wonderful job setting up the dolls.


Here's my group of dolls. They are for sale.



Joyce Stamps had her collection of dolls mostly made by slaves. They were so beautiful.


One of my large dolls. I will tweak the pattern and make some a little smaller.



Here's Emma, the last doll made for the show. She almost didn't make it.




I even spoke about my doll making journey. My ongoing journey.


Joyce Stamps.

  Dolls from Joyce's collection.



I so love this one in this beige dress. So simple but very cool.



Carolyn and her collection.



There were some dolls based on the Hitty character.


I love this little doll with her mirror. I was able to get her reflection in it.


More of Joyce's dolls.


Carolyn's dolls.




This doll is made from a whisk broom. I don't even know if they still make those these days.


I so love this little doll. She's a puppet doll. You stick your hand underneath her dress and your fingers go into her head and arms. I've got to get a more detailed pic of her. I love puppets.


The tall doll is a door stop and the oldest in the group. Her base is a can and filled with probably sand. Her face is embroidered silk and is showing wear. She was made around 1800.


I love her little face and her blue dress.

8 comments:

Jody said...

what a wonderful treat!!!!! I felt like I was at this show! Loved every moment, thank you.

Wendy Luane Barber said...

Glad you enjoyed it Jody. Thanks.

CocoaChick said...

Loved your exhibit Cousin! Especially the "Emma" doll :) Keep up the good work!

Wendy Luane Barber said...

Thanks CocoaChick.

Kim said...

wow- I sooo wish I could have seen it in person! Incredible- all of them. I am in awe that a cloth doll can last so long- think of all the little girls that have played with them!

Wendy Luane Barber said...

I wish you could've been here too. I'm still in awe of all the dolls from the past. I'm going to make a hand puppet that looks like a doll from one in the exhibit.

Anonymous said...

Hello Everyone, Very nice collection, I have an old black doll, was said it was made 200 years ago, would anyone be able to help me identify it? Its a beautiful doll, would love to know more about her history.
Dennis

Wendy Luane Barber said...

Global Viper, you can try contacting the United Federation of Doll Collectors at 816.891.7040. They may be able to help you locate an appraiser.

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