Wax Dolls
Wax was originally used for making religious effigies to inspire believers and to aid those recovering from an injury or illness. A wax model of the body or affected limb would be placed on a church altar or at a saint's shrine, an offering of money or jewellery would usually be placed with it, as well as prayers for healing. The shrines would then continue to display the models as evidence of faith in the working of miracles. Important families would also use wax in mourning, by paying for a figure representing their dead relative to carry in the procession at the funeral.
Towards the end of the 18th century there was a new craze, waxworks. These were displays of celebrity figures just like the ones at Madame Tussaud's in Baker Street, London. In fact, Madame Tussaud was one of the earliest makers of wax-headed figures, and modelled portraits of the King of France and his courtiers after they had been executed in the Revolution of 1789. Born (Anna) Marie Grosholtz in 1761, she was taught wax modelling by her guardian, Philippe Curtius. He had learned it as part of his training as a doctor, and found it so fascinating that he eventually gave up his medical practice to show his portrait figures instead. Skilfully made and dressed, and cleverly lit, these life-sized figures must have been a revelation to those who saw them for the first time.
By the beginning of the 19th century wax had become the most popular material for professional doll makers. It was favoured due to its warm, gleaming and lucid qualities - perfect for making dolls and moulding realistic facial features. Not everyone approved, however. The Jury of the International Exhibition of 1862 praised the 'life-like and delicate finish' of wax dolls, but regretted that this did 'diminish the necessity for any effort of imagination on the part of the children who played with them'.
English doll makers such as H J Meech, Charles Marsh, Lucy Peck and the Montanari and Pierotti families led the wax doll industry. Another leading manufacturer, John Edwards, who produced more wax dolls than any of them, declared in 1871 'We are not a great toy-making nation but we admittedly beat the whole world in dolls'.
Wax Boy Doll
Dolls representing boys and men are much rarer than dolls representing girls or women. Even in the Museum's large collection, the male dolls amount to less than one eighth of the total.
Pierotti
This doll was made by the wax doll making company founded by Domenico Pierotti in the 1790s. Pierotti learnt the skills for plaster mould making and wax casting from his English wife's family.
Dolls in Boxes
Some dolls live in boxes. Many boxes like this were made with religious or royal themes, and the custom was particularly popular from 1700 to 1880.
Princess Daisy
Princess Daisy is one of the most awe-inspiring dolls in the Museum's collection. With a complete layette (a collection of clothing and bedding) including hundreds of clothes and accessories, she has a showcase all to herself.
