Doll Making

They are created from the finest porcelain slip combined with techniques and skills originally used to form their antique predecessors back in the early 1900’s. The slip is carefully poured into the molds and after approx ½hr the excess slip is poured out of the mold leaving an impression of the head behind. Now called greenware it is left to dry for 12hrs ready for the next stage.

After firing in the kiln for 1½ – 2hrs to stabilize the greenware it is then carefully cleaned to remove mold lines, blemishes and the eyes are skillfully cut and beveled to receive the glass eyes at a later stage. This is a point that cannot be rushed, as any imperfections not removed can literally cause the head to be useless when it comes to painting it.

Once the head is free of any impurities it is then ready to be fired, this time for 8hrs, it is only after this that it will have reached the porcelain stage. If any cracks have appeared after this point it’s back to the drawing board and in the bin it goes!

After firing it is now ready to be painted. The colour is gradually built up layer by layer, starting with an overall colourwash to achieve the correct skin tone. It is then fired to fix the paint. Then comes the tricky bit when a steady hand is required, the eyelashes and eyebrows are carefully and meticulously applied, the lips are given a hint of colour and once again it is fired. A final stage of painting is given to highlight and enhance the features of the face by further shading and blending.

The doll is now assembled, given a pair of eyes, a luxurious wig and a fully jointed body. Well that’s the doll made now what about the costuming!

Costuming

Helen relishes working with only the purest cottons and silks to create the finest costumes, from intricate detailing on the underwear to finely worked shoes and hats. As she likes to put it "What’s the point of spending all that time creating a lovely doll only to end up dressing it in an outfit equivalent to a plastic bag."