Summary

Alternative Name(s): Wax Over Doll, Pumpkin Head Doll

Wax-headed doll believed to have been made in 1860 (although the source of the precise date is not recorded). Its style is sometimes referred to as a 'pumpkin head' doll due to its moulded hair. It was described by the donor as a 'bride' doll, and initially had a veil. According to Pollock's Dictionary of English dolls (1982), bride dolls were often dressed in fragments of material previously used for wedding gowns. They were sometimes framed as commemorations of weddings.

The donor indicated that the doll was won at a raffle or fair in England, and was given to Ada Brebner of Joyce's Creek, Victoria, by an uncle. Ada was born around 1853; her family had emigrated to Victoria and became farmers. After Ada died at the age of 50, the doll was given to Una Frankling of Harcourt, Victoria, in 1908, when she was three years old. Una in turn gave the doll to her daughter Joy Anderson (later Bentley) after 1932. It was donated to Museum Victoria by Mrs Joy Bentley in memory of her daughter Susan.

Physical Description

Doll with wax face over composition, painted wooden arms and legs, and wax moulded blonde hair, china eyes, cloth body stuffed with sawdust. Doll is wearing a cream net dress, decorated with artificial flowers. She has a string of 'pearl beads around her neck, and carries a cream lace bouquet. Underskirt of stiffened paper, petticoat of cream cotton with crocheted edge, light blue flannel petticoat, and cotton pantaloons with cream lace edge. Net dress very worn.

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