Wooden Dolls

The Old Pretender Doll, about 1680. Museum no. W.17-1945 (click image for larger version)

This doll is known in the Museum as the 'Old Pretender', as it was believed that she had once belonged to the court of King James II at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (the original Old Pretender was James Stuart, son of King James II). It is said to have been given as a gift to a family of loyal servants by a member of the Stuart family.

This 17th century wooden fashion doll is very rare. We think that dolls like this were not deemed important enough to keep, and fewer than thirty have survived from this period.

Early wooden dolls would have been made in England in the London area. These types of dolls are often referred too as 'Queen Anne' dolls. They are extremely well made by expert craftsmen and were dressed in stylish period dress. Expensive to buy, they were designed as lavish ornaments for adults rather than playthings for children.

This doll has been carved from pine which was readily available in England. The head and body is carved from one piece, with a narrow waist and wide hips, typical of this period. The arms are very long and attached with fabric, and her legs are carved with joints at the knee. Her face and hands are coated with gesso and then delicately painted with features and probably varnished. Her clothes are made of fine materials and are secured onto the body of the doll, as clothes were not designed to be changed as they are today.