Largest collection of black dolls on display at Museum of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, is organising a temporary exhibition of the largest collection of black dolls, "I See Me: Reflections in Black Dolls". It features a large number of black dolls, starting from the 19th century and up to our time. It includes both dolls that come from the museum's own collection as well as dolls from private collectors and other establishments.

One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition is the largest number of Leo Moss dolls ever displayed. Leo Moss was a black handyman who made dolls out of papier-maché derived from wallpaper scraps and painted with shoot. His wife made the clothes they wear. He even made dolls with a child's likeness on commission, even painting tears on the face of the doll if the child cried while he was making it.

The Misty Copeland doll by Mattel

The exhibition will feature 112 female and 30 male dolls. Among them will be the Misty Copeland doll by Mattel, a Serena Williams doll and the Barack and Michelle Obama inauguration dolls.

Michelle Obama Franklin Mint Vinyl Portrait Doll

According to the museum, through educational and public programs, it will revisit the 1947 Kenneth and Mammie Clarke experiment. The set up had black children being presented with two dolls, one black and one white, and then asked to choose which one they preferred. What was the result? A majority of the children chose the white doll to be the prettiest and the nicest, based on colour. Topics of discussion on this pervasive question about race and identity will range from where we are today, and what, if anything, should be done in the future?

Horst P. Horst tribute

I was lucky enough to visit London three times this year (twice working) after my first ever27 years ago. Among the things I was lucky to see in my last trip this September was an incredible exhibition in the V&A museum for the famous fashion (and not only) photographer Horst P. Horst. You can read about it here. I also made this image and uploaded in on my Instagram account in tribute and may do some more as well.

Evening In Montreal Victoire Roux

Sybarites hit Los Angeles: Superdoll exhibition at FIDM Museum

It is no wonder that the amazing Sybarite dolls of multi-talented eccentric duo Desmond Lingard and Charles Fegen would find their way in a museum. Don't let your mind think of dusty old relics or sacred remains. Instead, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum launched an exhibition of their much revered "White Chalk" Sybarites: the Spellbound collection.

The launch reception was on the 31st of July, and the designers were present to welcome everyone to admire their outstanding work. Admission is free throughout the exhibition, so if anyone is in Los Angeles, do not miss this. The Gothic setting and the amazing hand-made detailed outfits of the dolls shown is so enticing.

Some details about the show: the dates are July 31, 2014 till August 16, 2014, from 10am to5pm at the FIDM Museum, 919 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015.(Ground Floor, Park Side) tel. 213.623.5821.

For those of you who have never heard of Superfrock and Sybarite dolls, some words from the website:

The Sybarite is a 16 inch resin artist-doll created by London artists Desmond Lingard and Charles Fegen in 2005. Sybarite dolls are fully articulated mannequin-like dolls and have appeared in several fashion trades (French Revue des Modes, Style.com, Women's Wear Daily). HauteDoll features Sybarites on the Covers of their magazines. The designers work under the "Superdoll" moniker and produce the dolls for a collector market. Previous to artist dolls, Fegen worked in the fashion industry as a clothing designer. Early dolls were handmade in London by Lingard and Fegen in their workshop. As the dolls went into the mainstream market, manufacturing moved to China. The dolls have 17 points of articulation, and have strung bodies similar to the Super Dollfie dolls from Japan. The Sybarite doll was introduced shortly after Asian ball-jointed dolls were gaining popularity, but differ in that they are high fashion mannequins versus the Asian ball-jointed dolls' anime inspired childlike quality.

Desmond Lingard giving an interview during the opening reception.

All photos courtesy of Superdoll London

Dolls in museums: Worms

Visiting the German city of Worms in the last months, I went, among other places, to the city museum, housed in an old abbey. In the diverse collection of artefacts housed there, there were some antique dolls and a big doll house. I felt I had to post them here.

In this glass display you can see a porcelain doll and many miniature household items and doll furniture along with a toy train:


Here is the doll house exhibited - I wonder how rich was the family that owned this.


And a close up to see the outstanding detail involved:

If I had the space at home, and could afford it, I'd love to own such a doll house! Wouldn't you?