Dolls and Toys
The collection of dolls in the Ulster Museum replaces a previous collection which was lost in the Malone House fire of 1976, and charts the history of doll manufacture from the 18th century to the present day.
An English wooden doll of 1790 is the earliest example, followed by a variety of china and bisque headed dolls from the 19th century. These include work by makers such as Armand Marseille, Jumeau, Kammer & Reinhardt and Gaultier. Wax dolls are represented by a fashionable lady doll of 1870 and a life-like baby doll by Montanari.
Image: Fashion doll, bisque,1870s. Photograph Ulster Museum
In the 20th century collection there are dolls made by Schoenhut and Kathe Kruse in the 1930's and later plastic dolls from the 1950's. Contemporary toys and dolls include a Cabbage Patch doll, various soft toys and Barbie dolls.
Two large dolls' houses, one from the late 19th century and one made in 1930 by Colonel Crawford of Crawfordsburn for his daughters complete the collection.