ST MICHAEL’S PARISH CHURCH  • LINLITHGOW  •   EH49 7AL

tel - 01506 842188   e-mail - info@stmichaels-parish.org.uk

MINISTER:  REV DR STEWART GILLAN  BSc MDiv PhD

St Michael’s Parish Church is recognised as a Scottish Charity  No SCO16185

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When I read the item ‘Getting to know you’ in the summer 2007 issue of Crosswind, I had the feeling that, in part, it was directed at me.  I ‘craft historic dolls’ – that is, I make dolls dressed in historical costume.  As a child I enjoyed dressing dolls, but always in long ‘old-fashioned’ skirts.  This developed into an interest in historical costume and the wish to make replicas on a small scale.  As reasonably accurate adult figures are required to make the clothes look realistic and any commercial dolls were completely out of proportion, I started to make my own dolls.

I work to a scale of 1/16th, ie two inches to the foot, and the medium I use for the figures is balsa wood – a material more commonly associated with model aeroplanes.  It can be carved with a craft knife and after several layers of paint has a smooth, durable surface.  After painting features and attaching hair, the figure is ready to be dressed.  Most of the dolls represent women’s fashions, but there are some men and a few children.  

I tend to jump from one period of history to another according to which costume attracts me at the time.  The earliest is 12th century and the latest 1920s, inspired by the television series ‘House of Elliot’.  Generally ideas and costume details come from an ever-increasing collection of costume books.  Getting fabric patterns suitable to the period and in scale often involves painting and embroidery.  In addition to the main garments and underwear, there is the challenge of making hats, boots, shoes, jewellery, swords, fans, etc.

Occasionally, I give talks to women’s groups and the question I am asked most often is ‘How long does it take to make a doll?’  There is really no answer to this.  The work is usually spread over several months, sometimes with long gaps when more thought is required to solve a problem or when other activities are pressing.  There is also a long period before work actually starts, as I have to be sure that the chosen costume really interests me.  On and off since the early 1960s, this hobby has given me great enjoyment and satisfaction.

Through making and exhibiting dolls, I got to know of the Essex Handicrafts Association and from the early 1980s became actively involved in my local branch.  During workshops and the exchange of skills I was able to increase my knowledge and ability in embroidery, needlework in general and some other crafts.  Since moving to Linlithgow in 2002, I have found my craft background has helped me to settle and meet like-minded people.  I am now active in a local Art Group, in the Embroiderers’ Guild and St Michael’s Banner Group.

Getting To Know You

HISTORICAL COSTUME DOLLS

by Valerie Spence