A real reproduction

An historically accurate Izannah Walker doll

Today I put the finishing touches on the reproduction Izannah Walker doll I have been working on all summer. I bought the workshop instructions from dollmaker extraordinaire Paula Walton. She has made a deep study of the methods Izannah used to create her dolls 120 years ago, and shares her knowledge with those who want to follow in Izannah's footsteps. It is by no means easy to duplicate her methods. First you sculpt an original head, then make plaster molds from it, then create the heads by pressing paste soaked cloth into the molds and letting it dry. The rigid cloth halves are then sewn together, stuffed and sewn onto a stuffed body. Many steps. The painting of the heads and faces is a real challenge. My goal was to make my doll look as close as possible to the originals. However, it is really not possible to get them exactly like them. Whoever makes a doll imparts their own style and sensibilities. Unavoidably. But I'm fine with that.

Paula's instructions are thorough, and her patterns are well tested, so the making went very smoothly. I am very happy with how she turned out. I tried out a new kind of petticoat, a corded one, and am very pleased with it. It really makes the dress stick out in the fashionable shape of the times.




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