Izannah Walker Chronicles

Mystery Dolls

2010-03-12T04:08:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I get emails from people who have antique dolls that they think are Izannah Walker dolls. Sometimes they have a very nice antique doll, as was the case last year with someone who has what might be a Presbyterian doll. Recently I received an email from someone asking if they might have an Izannah Walker doll, but this doll has blue eyes. I asked for them to send pictures, which they did. After looking over the pictures she sent me, I think she has an Izannah Walker doll that has seen extensive repainting and some helping in other ways. But the doll retains enough of the Izannah hallmarks that I think she is an Izannah doll. Of course, seeing the doll in person would give information that pictures don't. But what do you think? If you have ideas, please email me. I asked permission of the owner to post the pictures here on the Chronicles. And if you know of someone who can do appraisals and/or restorations, let me know.

The blue eyes are obviously a later addition...

What do you think? Email me or comment below.

Maida Today: A Related Site

2010-02-25T02:52:00.001-08:00

Hello, Izannah Lovers! I wanted to let you know about a related doll study opportunity. For over three years I have been studying Izannah Walker dolls and I am not done! These studies have inspired numerous trips to a special doll shop in Camden, Maine, a family trip to visit the National Museum of Play (The Strong Museum) and a quest to make an Izannah Walker pattern true to the original dolls. Izannah's creations have the top spot in my artist's heart, but I still find other antique dolls charming and worth studying. Occasionally on these trips my eye and camera would notice another doll, and take pictures of that doll as well. Look at the sweet Alabama Baby sitting in the lap of Miss Red Izannah!

This week I started a site called Maida Today (Making Antique Inspired Dolls & Accessories Today) which will be similar to this site, but will be more inclusive of other kinds of dolls such as one of a kind folk dolls, antique wooden dolls, antique papier mache dolls. In addition, the site will offer tips & tutorials about doll making, links to patterns & workshops, and recommended books.

In a world where most things are made by machine, these creations remind us that making things with our hands is one of the unique gifts we have as humans. The focus of Maida Today will be to share the work of others' hands from earlier times, as well as share tips & tutorials for making antique inspired dolls with our own hands today. So hop on over, but keep room in your bookmarks for the Izannah Walker Chronicles, which will be ongoing.

Pictures of Old Colony Historical Society's Izannah Walker Doll

2010-02-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Christie Jackson, The Ruby Winslow Linn Curator at the Old Colony Historical Society, emailed to let me know they have an Izannah in their collection. I often spend time calling and emailing museums and collectors and shops asking if they will share their images of original Izannah Walker Dolls. It is such a gift when you get a call out of the blue from someone giving pictures to share without asking! And not only took pictures, but took detailed pictures and shared them in a large format. Thank you, Christie, and thank you Old Colony Historical Society! Christie shared the following about the doll:

Our "Izzy" was redressed in 1992 in a modern-made dress that was made from mid-19th century fabric. Since our historical society has been open and collecting since 1853, we have a pretty amazing array of items that have come over our threshold in the last 150 years. We do not know her donor, but she was an early addition to the museum. I personally love her painted shoelaces and the two-tone hair curls on the back of her head.

The following pictures are shared courtesy of the Old Colony Historical Society, and are copyright 2010 by the Old Colony Historical Society. They are not to be reprinted or reposted in any format without the permission of the Old Colony Historical Society. Contact for the OCHS is at the bottom of this post.

On to the detail pictures:

If you live near the Old Colony Historical Society - go visit this doll! If you don't, I am sure that donations are always appreciated. I'm hoping to make the drive there myself.

Old Colony Historical Society
66 Church Green
Taunton, MA 02780
508-822-1622 phone
Open Tues - Sat, 10-4
www.oldcolonyhistoricalsociety.org

Doll News and Soft Dolls & Animals Magazines Deserve Thanks!

2010-01-30T08:35:00.001-08:00

About a week ago I called several magazines to ask if I could post PDFs of their past articles about Izannah Walker here on the Izannah Walker Chronicles. Doll News, a publication put out by the United Federation of Doll Clubs, said yes. Soft Dolls & Animals, published by Scott Publications, said yes and sent me the most pristine PDF to post here. I'll be putting these in the sidebar as well for future reference. Thank you to these publications for sharing! I hope you enjoy the articles and remember the organizations who shared.

This article is posted courtesy of Doll News magazine,
a publication of the United Federation of Doll Clubs.
Doll News, Spring 1994, pp 48-51.

Read The Search for Izannah Walker

This article is posted courtesy of Doll News magazine,
a publication of the United Federation of Doll Clubs.
Doll News, Summer 1998, pp 41-44.
Read Walker Dolls: A Family Affair

The PDF of this article is posted
courtesy of Scott Publication's
Soft Dolls & Animals.
Summer 1998, pp. 20-24.
Read Izannah Walker:
Godmother of Cloth Dollmakers

Izannah Doll Making Opportunities - A Class for Everyone!

2010-01-24T06:12:00.001-08:00

I, Dixie Redmond, write this blog, but actually see it as a public service to those who love Izannah Walker dolls. So I try to write about new happenings on the Izannah front. With that in mind, in addition to my own Izannah Walker Workshop, there are two other hot off the press opportunities for those who want to try making an Izannah style doll. Click the titles of the resources to learn more.

Susie McMahon - Simple Charm: Creating a Doll in the Style of Izannah Walker, Part 1

Paula Walton - Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class By Mail

Dixie Redmond - Izannah Walker Doll Workshop Class

Museums to Visit with Walker Dolls

2010-01-09T04:22:00.001-08:00

In the sidebar is a list of museums with Izannah Walker dolls in their collections. Yesterday I received an email from Christie Jackson, The Ruby Winslow Linn Curator at the Old Colony Historical Society. She mentioned she had read the article in Yankee Magazine and wanted to let me know that the Old Colony Historical Society has an Izannah Walker doll in its collection. If any of you are within distance of this museum, please visit. I've added their site to the list.

Old Colony Historical Society
66 Church Green
Taunton, MA 02780
508-822-1622 phone
Open Tues - Sat, 10-4
www.oldcolonyhistoricalsociety.org

Also, check the sidebar links for other museums with Walker dolls in their collections.

AND, for those of you who missed the Yankee Magazine article by Catherine Reidel, click here to read it.

Izannah Walker Doll Ears Pictures

2010-01-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

In making an Izannah inspired doll recently, it was helpful for me to crop some closeup shots of original Izannah dolls' ears when thinking about this. I may have to go back to Izannah Boot Camp for saying this, the ears are not the best part of these dolls. But maybe Izannah liked making ears about as much as I do. It's a good thing the doll above has a beautiful face and a winning personality to carry off those ears.

Here are some other Izannah doll ear pictures.

The later doll above has quite a different profile.

I like this one below -
it's simple and very folky feeling.
It makes me smile.

So here's one I've made.
It will need some "paste" spread
over the ear once it's applied to the head.

Click here to see the doll I'm working on.

Holiday Charm

2009-12-17T10:14:00.001-08:00

This is a reprint of a lovely picture that Joy Harrington graciously shared last year. And below is a picture I was able to take of a printed cloth apron that are often found on Joel Ellis dolls and Izannah dolls. Click on the apron picture to enlarge it.

Where Are Pictures of Izannah Walker Herself?

2009-12-13T06:33:00.001-08:00

The picture above is not Izannah related in any way - it is an image of an unidentified boy from my family's collection of old pictures....read on to find out why I've posted it here when it has nothing to do with Izannah Walker.

Yesterday I had a dream that I found a picture of Izannah Walker in her work room. This would be quite something because as far as I know there are NO pictures of Izannah herself that have been revealed. But then I got to thinking. There are quite a few family pictures in our family that we're not sure who they are. They're in boxes at my dad's house. He has done a great job scanning them all and sending them out to various branches of our family. Sometimes we know they came from the Sangerville branch of the family, but we don't know who they are. Sometimes, though, penciled on the back, is a name, or a set of initials, and some clues as to location or occupation.

This picture also has nothing to do with Izannah Walker. But I bet you're starting to get my point???

1911 Road Crew - Alton, Maine?
Another non-Izannah picture...

So if any of you have pictures that show a woman in a doll making workshop and the the writing might say I. W. or I. Walker, or Izannah with dolls, or Izannah dolls. or I. dolls you just might have a treasure. Go to your attic or basement. Open the brown battered box. When you find picture with the woman with dolls please send me a copy of the picture to post here. OR sell the picture on Ebay and I will plug your auction. Either way works for those who love Izannah Walker dolls. Big Grin.

Izannah Walker Workshop

2009-11-30T04:49:00.000-08:00

Dixie here - I've been writing this site for almost two years to share pictures, images, links, etc with others who are Izannah enthusiasts. I generally don't refer to my own artistic works here, other than putting a link in to my site. But my next project is on Izannah Walker dolls, so I want to give readers the opportunity to know what I've been up to. Later in December I will release my Izannah Walker type pattern and offering an online Izannah Walker Workshop in January. Click here for more information on the Izannah Walker Workshop.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T20:20:00.001-08:00

I hope that all you Izannah lovers out there have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and gratitude for all we have. That's something I've been thinking about. This blog, which started on a whim on January 1, 2008, is an expression of gratitude, really. I created it because I wanted to share pictures of the wonderful Izannah Walker dolls I've been able to study and document. I'm so glad I did. It is a wonderful joy to be able to create and study and read and learn. And I am so glad that there are so many of YOU out there who love Izannah Walker dolls as well. Have a safe and happy day tomorrow!

Monica Bessette's Izannah Doll

2009-11-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

I received the following email from Monica Bessette, who has graciously shared pictures of her well-loved Izannah doll with us. I find these well-loved dolls very interesting, because you can often see more about the construction of the dolls because of the wear. Here's the email, and pictures following. Monica has said she will share some additional detailed pictures as well. Thank you, Monica!

Hi Dixie,

Well, I missed the end of the month, but here I am. Attached are some photos of my Walker doll that I named Joy. Her namesake is Joy Kelleher, of Special Joys Bed & Breakfast in Coventry, CT.

Joy Kelleher was instrumental in bringing me together with Maurine Popp, one of the the premier Izannah Walker collectors of our time. Back in 1998, just prior to the publication of my article, Walker Dolls: A Family Business, Joy invited me to speak to her doll club's upcoming meeting. The meeting was to be held in her doll museum, which was then part of the Bed & Breakfast. I jumped at the chance to speak in this intimate venue, but I wasn't prepared for the surprise guests and the wonderful response to my research. I had always wanted to meet Maurine Popp. Her comprehensive collection of Walker dolls, which she was collecting in the 1960's or even earlier, were some of the first I had ever seen in print, as she was always very generous in sharing her collection in books and magazines. We can all thank Maurine for bringing these fascinating dolls to the attention of collectors.

Not only did Maurine Popp come to my slide lecture at Joy's invitation, she also brought two of my favorite Walker dolls with her to display. Since we were both staying at the bed & breakfast the night of the meeting, I was able to have a personal chat with her and Joy over tea beforehand.

Six years later, when Joy decided to sell part of her museum collection, I took a chance and called to see if there was any way she would consider selling me her Walker doll. She said she'd give it some thought, but I didn't think I had a chance. About two weeks later, I received an email from Joy playfully asking if I knew anyone who would consider purchasing an old rag doll with missing limbs and cracks all over her face. I was overcome with emotion. Could this be true? Would I actually have an Izannah Walker doll of my own? After I stopped crying, I called Joy to thank her for her kind offer and make arrangements to pick up the doll--the next day before she changed her mind!. Included is a photo of me on that day, and you can see that I'm a little disoriented holding my new treasure.

Joy Kelleher has given me so much pleasure in her friendship and her confidence in my research, that I immediately named the doll after her so I would always be reminded of her and the special times I've spent in her bed & breakfast and museum, which is now her shop.

I've included photos of different angles of the doll. One photo is interesting in that it shows that the arms were stuffed with hair. It's probably horse hair, since that was plentiful in Izannah's early Central Falls neighborhood, but it's hard to tell exactly. You can see from the full side view that the body was sewn together and then the arms were attached at the shoulders. She's 18 inches tall and has the typical repaired breaks in the mid-calf area of the legs. She's in rough shape, but I couldn't love her more than I do.

Please write if you have any questions.

Monica Bessette

The arms appear to be stuffed with horsehair.

Many Izannah dolls legs seem
to have needed repairs...
too much dancing?

Thanks so much, Monica!

Yankee Magazine

2009-11-01T04:20:00.000-08:00

This past week a member of the Izannah Walker Dolls group (thanks, Judi!) pointed out that there was a two page article about Izannah Walker dolls in Yankee Magazine. The article was written by Catherine Riedel of Skinner Auctioneers. It was so fun to read that the Izannah Walker Chronicles had been listed as one of the resources for information about original, antique Izannah Walker dolls. I was happy to see that Lucy's Doll House in Camden, Maine was mentioned, as it was their generosity that made it possible for me to take pictures of original Izannah Walker dolls, and those pictures are what prompted me to create this site to share those pictures.

The mention in Yankee Magazine confirms that this site is becoming what I hoped it would - a kind of clearinghouse of links and resources and a repository for pictures of original Izannah Walker dolls. I love Yankee magazine. My own family Yankee-ness goes back to the Mayflower and to the first Puritan settlement in Massachusetts - and from there to various seaports in New England. If you are interested in early American history and classic meetinghouses, there is a wonderful article in this month's issue. And of course an article about my favorite kind of doll, Izannah Walker dolls.

Izannah Walker Doll at the Carmel Doll Shop

2009-10-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

This beautiful Izannah Walker doll is presently available at the Carmel Doll Shop. I emailed asking to post the pictures, and the owners, Michael Canadas and David Robinson, graciously gave permission to post the pictures here on the Izannah Walker Chronicles. Enjoy, and be sure to visit the Carmel Doll Shop for other beautiful wonders.

Those of you who are dollmakers will
want to see the classic Izannah torso shape.

Her dress is a wonder as well!

Who wouldn't want to own such a wonderful doll?

In Izannah's Own Hand - A Letter to Her Sister

2009-10-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

Dear Dixie,

As we have discussed, I am in the process of writing a piece for the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s Spring 2010 publication of New England Ancestors. The article focuses on our ancestor, Captain David Walker, and the discovery of one of his whaling ships, Candace, unearthed in San Francisco’s financial district in 2006. When I began to research David’s brothers and sisters, I came across another amazing find…Izannah’s beautiful dolls!

The first time I pulled up your website and saw pictures of her dolls, I had chills. It was like looking into my own son’s eyes. There is a uniquely handsome shape to the eyes with one eye that seems to look ever-so-slightly off to the side. I had traced the characteristic back through old pictures to the Walker side of our family when he was just a baby. For me, part of the allure of the dolls and their simple innocence is the way Izannah painted the eyes. I can only wonder if some of the Walker nieces and nephews were models for her dolls.

In support of your goal of providing a central repository of information about Izannah and her dolls I am providing a scan of a letter written by Izannah that has been passed down in our family. Included are two examples of her signature. The letter was written in 1850 to her half sister Bridget addressing arrangements between the two regarding a family plot at Palmer Street Cemetery in Somerset, Massachusetts. The intention of sharing the letter is not to focus on the details of her parent’s burial, but to point out that although she was an orphan, she was close to her many half brothers and sisters, visiting and communicating with them even 25 years after her parent’s death. She was not alone, Izannah was one of the nine surviving children of Gilbert Walker.

Thank you for building such a wonderful website honoring Izannah’s dolls, and for loving her work. Thank you to all of your readers who have generously contributed and shared information and images in an effort to build a comprehensive catalog of her work. I look forward to checking in to admire new pictures of dolls as they become available.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Raymond

Cohasset, Massachusetts

Jennifer's email contact

Click on images to enlarge

Dixie here: I am thrilled that Jennifer chose to share these wonderful documents here. Jennifer and I have talked by phone quite a few times, she is passionate about researching and understands the intent of this site. Through what Jennifer has offered, one gets a sense of the way Izannah's mind worked in the sketches and handwriting in the letter. I added the copyrights onto the images that Jennifer sent - the intent is for them to be available here, but not to be republished without Jennifer's permission. Thank you, Jennifer!

The Richard Wright Collection: Rare and Important Dolls

2009-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 10th Richard Wright's collection of rare and important dolls was auctioned by the Skinner auction house. When I heard that three Izannah dolls were going to be auctioned, I decided to drive the 5 hours from Bangor, Maine to Marlborough, Massachusetts to see the dolls in person.

From the outside the Skinner Auction building looks
unassuming, but oh the treasures that were inside!

Inside there was a sense of camaraderie as people who had known Richard Wright reconnected with one another and viewed the spectacular collection he had crafted. Andy Ourant, consulting specialist and auctioner, commented that the friends and acquaintances of Richard Wright were privileged to gather to compete for something from Richard Wright's collection. There were so many wonderful things in this collection. But since this is a blog about Izannah Walker dolls, we will focus on those.

When the bidding was opened for the first Izannah doll above you could feel some excitement in the air. The doll was small - 14 inches - and was wearing a dress that was described as a "cotton dress with frail silk blue and white check trim." One theory is that the dress would have originally been all silk blue checked trim, and that the white was the lining of the dress. Bidding went along at a fast clip until it ended at $11,000, within the estimate printed in the auction catalog. As the gavel came down, a cheer went up. It was clear that many of the people were rooting for the prevailing bidder to win that Izannah doll!

The doll above is a classic Izannah Walker doll with two side curls in front of the ears.This doll was won by the same bidder as the doll above with a final bid of $10,000 - the auction estimate range being $15,000 - $18,000.

Finally, the "Lady" Izannah Walker Doll was auctioned.

Now these dolls go on to their new loving homes.

Image Copyrights on the Izannah Walker Chronicles

2009-10-12T13:52:00.001-07:00

The purpose of this site is to be a kind of public service for those who enjoy and love to study Izannah Walker dolls. A conversation I had with someone brought up an interesting point about the images on this site. Previously the copyright notice stated that images and writings were copyrighted by me. I hadn't thought through the implication of that, just thought it was a way to publicly say, "Hey, don't take the images here and publish them somewhere else!" But someone pointed out it was like saying that if they give images to the site that I own them, which wasn't my intention.

The new copyright notice is:

"All photos/pictures presented on this site are copyrighted by those offering the images for posting and are not to be taken. All writings are copyright Dixie Redmond unless specified otherwise."

Copyright of photos taken by others who offer them here for posting is retained by those individuals, business or institutions.

For the pictures that I personally have taken, I give permission for individuals to print images for personal study in making Izannah inspired dolls. These images are found in the sidebar under the heading "Pictures of Original Izannah Walker Dolls taken by Dixie Redmond." I do not give permission for pictures taken by me to be printed in any other form, electronically or in print. If you want to use an image, please ask. I usually like to share.

It's my hope that this clarifies what happens when collectors and others offer pictures to be posted here that they have taken of original Izannah Walker dolls.

The Richard Wright Collection: Rare and Important Dolls

2009-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am going to be able to attend this auction at Skinner's Marlborough gallery and am looking forward to it! This auction catalog with a cup of tea is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. This collection is quite varied, ranging from the rare to what to some might consider mundane. But it all looks wonderful to me. I plan on attending the preview the day before the auction as well as the gallery talk the evening before the auction. I will get to see three more Izannah dolls in person and share about them here.

The Richard Wright Collection

2009-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers

The Richard Wright Collection:
Session 1: Rare and Important Dolls

October 10, 2009 at 11 am

274 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, MA

The auction company has generously shared images of the Izannah Walker dolls be auctioned to be presented here on the Izannah Walker Chronicles.

Richard Wright Auction by Skinner Auction House

2009-08-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Three Izannah Walker Dolls will be auctioned in early October by the Skinner Auction House. When you go to the site, look in the sidebar on the left and click on "Toys, Dolls and Collectibles". Then in the search box at the top left, type in Izannah and it will bring up the three Izannah Walker dolls which will be auctioned.

An Izannah at the UFDC Convention

2009-08-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Bradley Justice sent some pictures he took of Izannah Walker dolls at the UFDC convention. Thanks so much, Bradley! Here they are...

Another Izannah Picture

2009-07-21T17:04:00.001-07:00

Hi, all - it has been my mission to post as many pictures of original Izannah Walker dolls here as possible. Recently a fellow member in an antique doll group I'm in posted pictures she took at the UFDC convention in Atlanta. While there, Alicia was able to take pictures of an original Izannah Walker doll on display. Alicia has graciously offered to share her pictures with us. Thanks, Alicia!

While there, Alicia was able to take a picture of a very interesting male doll which looks very much like a Walker doll. There is no way to know if this male doll below is an Izannah Walker, doll, but some features (hands! ears!) look very similar, don't they?

Here I've brightened the pictures to show the details in the costume.

Izannah Walker Dolls Group

2009-06-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

In 2008 I began the Izannah Walker Chronicles with the idea that it would be a kind of clearinghouse for all things Izannah. It works quite well for posting information, but doesn't allow for discussion about Izannah Walker dolls. I started the Izannah's Daughters to be a place for dollmakers and students of Izannah to connect, but it doesn't work very well without a discussion forum. So I am closing the Izannah's Daughters blog and opening up a social network at ning.com for dollmakers , pattern designers, collectors and students of Izannah Walker Dolls. It's open to anyone who has an interest in Izannah Walker. All you have to do is set up an account at ning.com and join. Click the banner above to go to the site.

Thank you, Izannah Collectors!

2009-06-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

The following pictures were sent to me by Bradley Justice. He knows the collector who owns this doll, and asked permission to post the pictures here on the IWC. I am so thankful for collectors who share the beauties of the dolls they own.

Izannah Walker Doll at Lucy's Doll House

2009-05-31T16:08:00.001-07:00

Today I was able to take a mini-vacation and drive down to Lucy's Doll House in Camden to document the latest Izannah Walker doll in residence there.

It is because of Sue and the generosity of Lucy's Doll House that I've been able to document these dolls. Sue Singer was in the shop today while I documented the two dolls below and we had great conversation while I took pictures.

A note about the pictures - All photos/pictures presented in this post are copyright Dixie Redmond 2009 and all rights are reserved. An artist or student may copy for personal use for study but the images themselves may not be used in derivative works of art or shown/reprinted in any publication without permission.

The doll on the left is a cloth doll with an applied bonnet. All cloth! I was fascinated by it and took well over 200 pictures of both these dolls. Detailed pictures of the folk art doll on the left are on my Northdixie Designs blog. The Izannah doll is divine - so wonderful and petite. It's hard to tell the scale of things, but my thumbnail is about as large as the palm of this little 15 1/2 inch doll's hand. She's so wonderful!

This beautiful doll is
available for purchase at

Lucy's Doll House
49 Bay View Street
Camden, ME 04843

Summer hours - 10 to 4
7 Days a Week
(207) 236-4122

Again, I am thankful to Sue Singer
and Lucy Morgan for the opportunity
to share these pictures.

Lucy's Doll House
49 Bay View Street
Camden, ME 04843

Summer hours - 10 to 4
7 Days a Week
(207) 236-4122