Princess Daisy

Princess Daisy, Doll, maker unknown, 1890 -1894. Museum no. Misc.88-1965 (click image for larger version)

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.

Among Princess Daisy's layette, there are many items of clothing - dresses, petticoats, mittens, nappies in bundles - especially commissioned for her. She has a silver fork and spoon, a silver mug, and gold and pearl jewellery which babies from wealthy families would often receive as Christening gifts.

Daisy's story starts in 1894 in Amsterdam with a Mrs Grothe Twiss who wanted to raise money for poor children in Holland. She decided to make a wonderful attraction, which people would pay to see. So she bought a wax doll from London through mail order, and commissioned crafts people to make beautiful things for the doll she had named 'Princess Daisy'.

The doll was put on display at the International Exposition in Amsterdam in 1895. She was incredibly popular and raised a lot of money. She was then bought by some English charity fundraisers and brought to England for a tour, at the end of which she was raffled as a prize. Mrs Twiss approved, saying that she hoped Daisy would know the love of a real child instead of the endless admiration of strangers.  But when the raffle was drawn nobody came to claim their prize and it was decided to give her to the two year old Princess Mary, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George V and Queen Mary). As Mary was too young to play with her new doll, Princess Daisy was lent to the V&A on 4th April 1936, and later came to the V&A Museum of Childhood where she has been on display ever since.

Princess Mary gave Princess Daisy and her layette to the Museum as a wonderful gift in 1964. The Duchess of York, who eventually became Queen Mary was a great supporter of the Museum, donating around 100 toys, and bringing her grand-daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret to visit.