TWO NEW HITTY DOLL COLLECTORS

Here are Barbara (top) and Ann (bottom) with their new Hitty dolls carved by our member Sharon, who will be featured doll artist at the Peachtree Doll Collectors 7th Annual Doll and Bear Show and Sale Oct. 15, 2011, from 10-4, Palmetto, GA. Email for more information on the show: nancypillar@comcast.com. See our earlier post on Sharon Kirby's hand-carved Hitty dolls, copied from the antique original.

CLOTH DOLLS

1. Kathe Kruse doll,
2. Unknown maker with talking witch doll,
 3. L to R: Casey, original felt doll by Dorothy Clark, Musette by R. John Wright (candy container), and Steiff doll Jorg.
 4. Lillian by R. John Wright in front with Lenci dolls on either side.

R. JOHN WRIGHT FELT DOLLS

1. Lillian, portrait doll of makers' daughter,
2. Snow White and The Little Prince,
3. Musette, a candy container, with Benjamin Bunny and Jiminy Cricket (Steiff, not Wright)

Jill gave our October program on R. John Wright felt dolls. The R. John Wright company has been making felt dolls since the 1970's. What was once a two-person operation became cottage industry is now a business with 50 employees and annual sales of 5-10 million dollars. John and Susan Wright did all the prototypes, as well as made all the dolls originally. Both artistic and interested in dolls, the Wrights perfected the craft of felt dolls making by studying quality dolls like Steiff, Lenci, and Kathe Kruse. From peasant-looking character dolls to the Little Children series, the R. John Wright Company turned to story book characters and film stars - Pooh characters, Snow White, Cinderella, Beatrix Potter characters, The Wizard of Oz characters, multiple bears, and The Little Prince. Most dolls are limited editions of 250-500. The R. John Wright dolls are known for the impeccable detail and high quality of felt, materials, and facial painting. These dolls are works of art!