Izannah Walker Chronicles

The First Izannah I Saw in Person

2011-12-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

In 2007 I saw my first Izannah Walker doll in person. I didn't know what I was doing then, just that I was thankful to have an opportunity to see this beauty in person and be able to photograph her because of Sue Singer's generosity at Lucy's Doll House. Now when I have the opportunity to document an Izannah Walker doll, I try to take photos from specific vantage points. I didn't know to do that then.

I've deleted my Picturetrail hosting and am trying to consolidate all the pictures to do with this blog in the blog archives. So I'm reposting. But it's lovely to revisit this doll again. Enjoy.

Elizabeth Isenburg's Daguerrotype: Girl with Izannah Walker Doll

2011-12-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Isenburg, who writes Steamboat Arabia: A Historian's Blog, has generously shared this lovely daguerrotype of Mary Jenks holding an Izannah Walker doll. I found the image on her blog after doing a search online for Izannah Walker doll daguerrotype/ambrotype/tintype. If you visit the Steamboat Arabia blog you can see the image before it was cleaned. An amazing difference! Elizabeth also had Mike (the restorer) take an image of the Izannah daguerrotype without the frame, because it gives a lot of information about the dress of the child and the doll.

Elizabeth shared that when the image was opened for cleaning, there was "documentation that this is Mary Ella Jenks (1850-1923). This was a wonderful surprise because I thought it was Martha Chase because her CDV as a teenager closely resembled the little girl. I know I am preaching to the choir but Mary is first cousin to Martha and was the daughter of Pardon Jenks in Pawtucket."

Elizabeth said, "As you can see by the 2nd photo, I found the documentation for Mary in two places inside the frame. I wanted these to be seen from the back and they are protected under glass. The restorer said that the dag must have been opened to cleaned in 1889 when Mary was 49 years old, hence the ephemeral card stock dated 1899. As I mentioned, Mary did not die until 1923 so I assume this is her handwriting."

Many thanks to Elizabeth Isenburg for sharing this image.

The Pawtucket and Central Falls Directory of 1877 - Free PDF Download

2011-12-01T04:06:00.001-08:00

In the article I wrote for Early American Life, one of the facts I uncovered is that Izannah is listed in the The Pawtucket and Central Falls Directory of 1877 as Miss I. F. Walker. For those of you who are into researching Izannah, there is a PDF version of it on Google Books at no cost. There is an explosion of people selling this on Ebay and Amazon, but you can download the Pawtucket and Central Falls Directory of 1877 for FREE in PDF at this link below. There are tons of fun antique advertisements in it as well.

http://books.google.com/books/download/The_Pawtucket_and_Central_Falls_director.pdf?id=AekCAAAAYAAJ&hl=en&capid=AFLRE727TkauUuOwVn4GX87WPw0w8RPGXRJQ1H2G_Vn82mABKT9E3EP4P3tpdBghyWTLh2iTVJAEtQpx95ZO8jNEFP96dorPbA&continue=http://books.google.com/books/download/The_Pawtucket_and_Central_Falls_director.pdf%3Fid%3DAekCAAAAYAAJ%26output%3Dpdf%26hl%3Den

Antique Izannah Walker Doll Sells for $2,500

2011-11-30T10:49:00.001-08:00

This Izannah Walker Doll sold for a hammer price to a floor bidder of $2,500.00 plus buyer's premium of 15-17%, depending on payment method. Julia's description reads:

"1860s era cloth doll with molded and painted oil cloth head with separately modeled ears with short curly brown hair, large brown eyes and exposed ears. Arms and legs are painted in the same manner as the head and the legs also have painted black leather boots with red edging at the top. She is well recostumed in an 1860s style cotton print dress with white linen apron. SIZE: 19" (49cm). CONDITION: Head has had some professional re-touch to major areas of face and hair as well as to back of shoulder and around the neck."

It's Patent Day

2011-11-04T19:00:00.001-07:00

Read the transcription of Izannah's patent here.

Izannah Walker Doll to Sell at November James Julia Auction

2011-11-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

On November 30th, James D. Julia, Inc. will bring the Izannah Walker doll shown above up for auction. To read more, visit the James Julia site.

To see the other dolls at auction, click here.

Dixie Redmond's E-book: Making an Izannah Walker Inspired Doll Includes Pattern and Tuturials

2011-11-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

The E-book is $35.

I've traveled thousands of miles in search of knowledge about Izannah Walker dolls. I've taken hundreds of pictures of original Izannah Walker dolls and shared on the Izannah Walker Chronicles while learning about these wonderful dolls. I designed a pattern and led several sessions of an online class based on the information in this book. People who've made the pattern in the class left comments about their experience here. The pattern consists of making a cloth doll over which a one of a kind clay head is sculpted. My pattern and the instructions are inspired by Izannah Walker dolls but use modern materials like paperclay.

I've bundled all the tutorials used in the Izannah Walker Workshop as well as the pattern into a PDF downloadable E-book called Making an Izannah Walker Inspired Doll. The book has over 107 pages of tutorials using photographs of the doll making process. I tried to present the information so that if someone were only looking at the pictures they could make the doll. Here's a peak at the Table of Contents:

And here's a peak at one of the sections

on sculpting with paperclay:

What skill levels are required to make this doll?

It is best if you have sewing and sculpting experience. You will be sculpting your own Izannah Walker head using paperclay and looking at inspiration pictures I have provided. In the class, I suggested that people make 3 dolls at the beginning and give themselves permission for their first few dolls to be learning dolls. Some people did take the Izannah Workshop who had never made a doll and their efforts resulted in some lovely creations. But sculpting and sewing experience makes it much easier.

How Do I Buy the Book?

To purchase the e-book, you will click on the "Add to Cart" button below. This will open a window which allows you to pay for the book through Paypal. Once you have paid for the book through Paypal it will open up a window with a link to download the book to your computer. I've tested this a couple of people and it went through fine.

Note: If you pay by e-check you will not be able to download until your payment has cleared through Paypal. This can take several days. If you pay using a credit card, the download link is offered immediately. The E-book is $35.

If you have any questions, please

contact me

at northdixie @ gmail.com

Doll Head Listed on Ebay

2011-10-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

This Ebay auction is an interesting one to watch. The head being sold is described has the words Izannah Walker and a question mark at the end. I don't think it's an Izannah Walker doll, although it is an interesting doll head in its construction.

So let's talk about why it might be considered an Izannah Walker doll. What this head does have in common with an Izannah doll is a stockinette covering and a folk art like appearance. The seller says it is molded. And some curls at the back of the neck.

What's different? I've never seen or heard of a 3" head size in an Izannah doll. I haven't seen or heard of an Izannah Walker doll that has molded curls at the back of the neck. This seems more like a papier mache feature. Could someone have covered a papier mache head with stockinet? This doll has a very different kind of stockinet covering than original Izannah Walker dolls I've seen. See how the original Izannah below has stockinette that is a different kind of weave?

Izannah was an experimenter. This doll at top might have been made by someone who had admired an Izannah Walker doll.

What do you think?

Izannah Walker Doll on Ebay

2011-09-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

The doll above is being auctioned on Ebay

with one more day left on the auction.

Visit the auction to follow along.

Bidding as of September 5th

at 10:45 p.m. Eastern time

is $5,225 with the reserve

still to be met.

This doll ended at $8,100
on September 6th, 2011
with the reserve not being met.

Izannah Walker Article in Early American Life's Christmas Issue

2011-08-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

Last January, my friend Edyth O'Neill and I started writing an article about Izannah Walker dolls for Early American Life magazine. I am happy to say it will be published in the Christmas issue coming out very soon.

To get a copy of the Christmas issue,
subscribe to Early American Life here.

Withington's August 2011 Izannah Auction Price

2011-08-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

The auction ending price for

this doll which sold
at Withington's last Friday was

$16,800 plus 10%.

Withington's Auction August 19th

2011-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about the Izannah Walker Doll that will be auctioned by Withington's. I couldn't make the auction but I drove 500 miles to visit her this week. My family went along for the ride and we had a mini-vacation.

The piece of paper below was with the doll

when the consignor purchased it.

Izannah's Town Declares Bankruptcy

2011-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Izannah Walker lived and worked in Central Falls, Rhode Island. I wonder what she would think of the town declaring bankruptcy? Perhaps her dolls were sold at W. C. Manchester, which sold toys as well as picture frames done with "work done in the most artistic manner."

Doll Collectors of America Izannahs Featured in Antique Doll Collector

2011-07-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy Antique Doll Collector

Attention all Izannah doll lovers!

If you love to see Izannah Walker dolls you won't want to miss this issue! The Antique Doll Collector site states:

"No doubt this was the first time that thirty-one dolls by noted doll maker Izannah Walker were ever assembled in one place! This important occasion was the 75th annual meeting of the Doll Collectors of America. Carol Corson took a photographic record of the Izannah "reunion" noting the significant variations in size, hairstyles, foot wear, eye color and facial features from doll to doll. This is an important study of these earliest known commercially produced American cloth dolls."

Visit the Antique Doll Collector site to subscribe or order additional copies of this issue. I just did. :-)

Withington's to Auction Izannah Walker Doll

2011-07-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Izannah Walker doll pictured above and below will be auctioned on August 19th at Withington's.

The doll is 19 1/2" long and was originally a gift to Mary Stevens Burdick when she was 10 years old in 1871, in Newport, RI. (as stated in a note pinned under the dress). Mary Stevens Burdick married William Paine Sheffield in 1889. Mary's husband, William Paine Sheffield, studied law and served as a congressman in the 61st Congress. According to Who's Who in America, Volume 6, they lived at 6 Cottage Street in Newport.

With a bit more digging, we might be able to uncover some photos of Mary, the owner of the doll. I am sure that Sheffield and Burdick descendents would be interested in learning that this this doll owned by their past family member.

Curls!

Wonderful bare feet!

And look at that red dress!

It's a red letter day for Izannah.

As I get more information, I will be adding it here.

Mark August 19th in your calendars.

Addie, An Izannah Walker Doll

2011-07-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Ginger, a kind collector, emailed me to say how much she had enjoyed reading the Izannah Walker Chronicles. Then she told me she owned an Izannah Walker doll. To make a long story short, she was willing to share her pictures on this site so that others can enjoy Addie the way she has enjoyed seeing other Izannah Walker dolls. I love collectors who are generous like that. Thank you, Ginger!

Dress made by Kathy Patterson,

who also makes Izannah Walker reproduction dolls.

Izannah Walker Doll Auction Results from Withington's

2011-06-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Auction Results:

Girl Doll $10,500 + 10%

Boy Doll $4,100 + 10%

Withington Auction, Inc.

June 16 and 17, 2011

4 More Days to the Withington Auction

2011-06-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder of dolls
coming up to auction at Withington's ...

Dolls to be auctioned by Withington Auction, Inc.

June 16 and 17, 2011

Morphy's June 2011 Izannah at Auction

2011-06-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Somehow in the midst of Little League baseball I missed that an Izannah was coming up to Morphy's Auction . They have been kind about sharing images before. I hope someone I know got this doll. If you know the hammer price, please email or leave a comment. She looks like a sweet doll.

Izannahs at June Withington's Auction

2011-05-16T02:51:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder of dolls coming up to auction...

Dolls to be auctioned by Withington Auction, Inc.

June 16 and 17, 2011

Look above to see two new tabs, one which says Original Dolls for Sale and Original Dolls to Be Auctioned. I will be providing links to places with original antique Izannah Walker available for purchase or to be auctioned. When you search for "Izannah Walker dolls at auction" a sea of Ebay and other links for reproduction Izannah Walker dolls comes up. I love Izannah Walker style dolls - in fact I make them myself. But if you are looking for information on original antique dolls, then visit here at the Izannah Walker Chronicles for the latest available sources.

If you are an antique doll dealer or auction company and would like to have a link provided to your site of the Izannah doll you have available, please email me so that I can list your doll there.

If you are a reader of this blog, and you notice a doll for sale or at auction that I have missed, please email me to remind me using the contact information in the tabs at the top. Thanks!

Gail Wilson's Molded Izannah Workshop

2011-05-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Image copyright Gail Wilson

Gail Wilson has studied original Izannah Walker dolls and is making a metal mold of her sculpt based on these studies. She will be offering an in person workshop on making dolls with this mold, and has this to say about the workshop:

"This doll is the result of much study and will never be offered in kit form. This is a unique, one-time opportunity to make a doll in the same way Izannah did herself from new metal molds which I will be using only for finished dolls. This retreat will be a bit longer than usual beginning late in the day on Friday and running to lunch on Monday (holiday). Total cost for all materials, shared room and board will be $775."

Click here to learn about Gail's Izannah Workshop
scroll down to the Retreats section for more information.

More On Izannah to Be Auctioned by DGW Auctioneers and Appraisers

2011-04-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:

Hammer price was $5,200.00

plus 18% Buyers Premium.

D. G. W. sent these additional pictures as well as this description of the Izannah to be auctioned May 1, 2011.

For more information, visit the
D. G. W. Auctioneers & Appraisers

Condition: Her face has considerable repaint . There are some cracks on her forehead one above her left eye brow. There is paint wear to her arms and legs. Her hands do have crude repairs, upper arms have old tape between the paint area going to the cloth part. Both upper arms are reinforced with newer fabric over the old. Also old tape between the painted area and the cloth part on the upper legs. Her right ankle has been taped. Antique garments do have age discolorations. Body recover has a tear in the front. She still is a Treasure in the need of preservation and deserves it as she has been around for a long time. Unusual large size doll by this artist.

For more information, visit the
D. G. W. Auctioneers & Appraisers
.

Original Antique Izannah Walker Dolls for Sale or To Be Auctioned

2011-04-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dolls to be auctioned by Withington Auction, Inc.

June 16 and 17, 2011

If you are an antique doll dealer or auction company and would like to have a link provided to your site of the Izannah doll you have available, please email me so that I can list your doll there.

If you are a reader of this blog, and you notice a doll for sale or at auction that I have missed, please email me to remind me using the contact information in the tabs at the top. Thanks!

D. G. W. Auctioneers and Appraisers to Auction Izannah Walker Doll

2011-03-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

May 1st Auction

Auction Description:

American, large Izannah Walker Doll. All cloth doll with pressed and oil painted facial features and hair, applied sculpted ears, painted blue eyes, black pupils, outlined eyes, brows, closed mouth. Muslin body with painted limbs. Old recover on torso. Arms hand-stitched to shoulder. Stitched fingers with separate thumbs. Stitched toes. Circa 1870. Height: 25" (63cm) approx.

For more information, visit the
D. G. W. Auctioneers & Appraisers site.

Izannah Walker Doll to Be Auctioned by Theriault's April 9th

2011-03-29T03:52:00.000-07:00

This 18" doll will be auctioned April 9, 2011 by Theriault's.

Description of the doll from catalog:

18"(46 cm.) Cloth doll with pressed and oil-painted facial features and hair, center-parted hair with two ringlet curls in front of each beautifully-stitched ear, and extending around her entire head, shaded brown eyes with thin black outlines and red eyeliner, lightly-stroked brows, rounded nose, closed mouth with accent line between the pale lips, muslin stitch-jointed body with oil-painted stiffened hands, defined applied thumbs, bare feet. Condition: generally excellent, some very-light typical craquelure on face. Comments: circa 1865, Izannah Walker, the Pawtucket, Rhode Island doll creator, who obtained a patent for her dolls in 1873 but likely had been making them for some time previously.

This particular doll originally belonged to Mary Whitney Carter who owned the doll as a child in Pawtucket. One of the family's most cherished possessions, it remained in their care for four long generations, eventually moving to California and now coming to auction for a new home. Value Points: outstanding preservation of the ringlet-curled doll with superb painting, wearing fine antique costume including red kidskin shoes and woven straw bonnet, and owning very frail remnants of original Walker costume. Along with wooden paint-decorated chair that she has sat in for 150 years. The Izannah Walker doll has rightfully been compared to the prized American folk art canvas paintings of William Matthew Prior (1806-1873).

Update: Sold for a hammer price of $20,000

What's In a Name?Izannah, Isannah, Isana, Izana Walker

2011-03-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Names are funny things. They define you in some way. I was given the name Dixie. I live in the north and don't often find people who share my name. People have found an amazing ways to spell it. Izannah faced the same thing with her name. Even in her time, it was recorded in a number of different ways in censuses taken. In the 1880 census above Izannah's name seems to be Isamab. Click the image to enlarge it. We know it's her though, because she is listed with her friend Emeline B. Whipple who shows up in other censuses with Izannah.

Izannah Walker Doll Morphy's April 2nd Auction

2011-03-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Morphy's will be auctioning the above Izannah Walker doll on April 2nd, 2011. It is described as follows in their catalog:

"Beautiful example from the 1860s, prior to the patent date. Painted oilcloth head, shoulders, lower arms, and lower legs with rare and earlier bare feet. Painted corkscrew curls in front of each exposed ear and short curls framing the forehead. Bulging painted eyes and painted mouth with hint of a smile. Wears a off-the-shoulder gold and red printed cotton dress, antique under garments, brown leather moccasin style shoes, and red bead necklaces. Comes with a rocker with woven seat in back. A few areas of crazing and slight splits to fabric above nose; possible minor old retouch above eyes and in open space above nose bridge. One slight bare spot to top of head and one horizontal split to hair in back. Condition (Good - Very Good). Size 19" T. "

UPDATE - the hammer price for this doll at auction was $8,000.

Please visit the Morphy's site for more information.

Withington's to Auction Izannah Dolls

2011-02-28T06:29:00.000-08:00

Two Izannah Walker dolls will be presented at auction on June 16 & 17 by Withington's. To receive more information about these dolls, contact Withington Auction, Inc.

I always enjoy seeing an Izannah Walker doll that I have not seen before. The girl doll above reminds me of a doll called "Izannah" that was in Maureen Popp's collection.

The boy doll is very interesting, having bare feet and a boys suit on. I have been trying to date the clothing. If you have an idea of when that type of suit would have been worn by a boy, please share. I found an image at the New York Public Library Digital Gallery, shown below, from 1870, which has some similarities:

image via New York Public Library Digital Collection

And another from 1860:

image via New York Public Library Digital Collection

If you are interested in these images,

please visit Maida Today for a related post.

Izannah Walker Doll at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

2011-02-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

I had never seen this image before, so thought I would post direct image to the link of the doll as shown in online collections of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Izannah Walker Doll Patent

2011-02-16T03:56:00.000-08:00

Dixie's Note:

There was some discussion recently in a doll making group about Izannah's patent, so I thought it would be good to post a transcribed and searchable version of the Izannah Walker Patent that can be found at Google Patents. You can view Izannah Walker's original patent here.

Patent description below.

===========================

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Izannah F. Walker, of Central Falls, in the county of Providence and State of rhode Island, have invented a new and valuable Improvement in the Manufacture of Dolls: and I do herby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings making a part of this specification, and to the letters and figures of referenced marked thereon.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a representation of a transverse section of my doll. Fig. 2 is a view of my press. Fig 3 is a view of my die: and Fig. 4, a view of my doll completed.

This invention has relation to the manufacture of dolls; and it consists, mainly, in the secondary or double stuffing next the external or painted layer, whereby, with a sufficiently soft surface, the tendency of the paint to crack or scale off is obviated.

In the construction of my doll I usually employ a press, A, of ordinary construction, provided with upper and lower dies, of suitable shape, to form the front and back of the face, neck and chest, and sometimes the body of the doll. In the dies I place several thickness of cotton or other cheap cloth, treated with glue or paste, so that they will adhere together and hold the shape impressed upon them by the dies. When these cloth forms are dry and a layer of cotton batting or other soft filling is carefully laid over them, covering the whole or the head and neck portions only, as may be desirable, and then, in turn, covered with an external layer of stockinet or similar webbing. The latter is then fastened to the features of the cloth forms by stitches or paste, and they are then placed again in the press. After they are taken from the press the forms are filled with hair, cotton, or other stuffing, and a piece of wood having been centrally and longitudinally laid between the two for stiffening they are tightly pressed together and secured by sewing, pasting or gluing their edges to each other. The finishing is then done by painting the face and other parts neatly with oil-paint.

In the drawings, the letter A. designates a form of press which may be used. B represents the upper die-plate with the dies for pressing the sections into form. “a” indicates the outer webbing; b, the outer or secondary layer of stuffing; c, the inner layers of cloth, glued or pasted together, and mainly giving forms to the parts; d, the inner or hard stuffing; and e, the stiffening-rod. C indicates the doll completed, by painting and the attachment of limbs. These parts, if thought desirable, may be made with the advantage in a similar manner to that above set forth for making the head, neck and body.

My doll is inexpensive, easily kept clean, and not apt to injure a young child which may fall upon it. It will preserve its appearance for a long time, as the soft secondary stuffing under the stockinet or external webbing enables it to give under pressure, so that the oil paint will not scale off. At the same time the inner an dmore compact stuffing prevents ordinary pressure from forcing the surface in to such an extrent as to crack the paint.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is ---

In the manufacture of dolls the combination, with the external webbing, the internal cloth forms and the inner packing, of the secondary or outer stuffing between said forms and said webbing, substantially as specified.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

                                    IZANNAH F. WALKER.

Witnesses:
      ROWLAND H. FRY,
      G. F. CROWNINGSHIELD

Izannah Walker Doll Classes

2011-01-04T02:51:00.000-08:00

Izannah Walker Inspired Doll

by Dixie Redmond

For those of you who are interested in Izannah Walker Doll Classes, the Izannah Walker Online Workshop is a self-paced class. The class has patterns in PDF form to be downloaded by you, an 82 page PDF instruction book to be downloaded by you, and detailed pictures of construction details from original Izannah Walker dolls. There is also a message board where a great group of doll makers share what they're learning and spur each other on. Designing the pattern for the class and hosting an Izannah Walker doll class has been fun for me. And from the feedback I get from class members, making the pattern up has been fun for them as well. You can see a variety of dolls created by class members in a slideshow shown here.

Skinner Auctions Izannah Walker Doll

2010-12-16T03:42:00.000-08:00

Skinner Auctions auctioned an Izannah Walker Doll at their Holiday Auction on December 15th and 16th in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The doll is pictured above, with description below:

Oil-painted Cloth Izannah Walker Girl Doll, Rhode Island, c. 1860, painted brown eyes, pink mouth and cheek coloring, brown hair with center part in front of applied ears, painted arms and hands, cloth body with sloping shoulders, lower limbs painted with black shoes, white cotton undergarments, a pink striped patterned dress and embroidered apron with cotton bonnet, ht. 19 1/2 in., (paint wear, flesh tones of face old repaint, scattered retouch).
Estimate $1,500-2,500

The hammer price for this doll was $4,200.00 plus buyers premium and taxes. What a beauty!

Black Izannah Walker Dolls

2010-12-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

Izannah Walker's black dolls are not often seen. One is pictured above in an article written by Donna Kaonis for the Sept/October 1993 issue of Antique Doll World. The doll was in Richard Wright's collection at the time of the article. Antique Doll World is not a current publication. If you're interested in reading about antique dolls, Antique Doll Collector magazine offers great articles specifically on antique dolls. Donna Kaonis, the writer of this article on Izannah dolls, is now editor-in-chief at Antique Doll Collector magazine.

Article found in Vintage Cloth Doll Making Yahoo Group.

The closest account of Izannah's dollmaking that we have from her time is from Philomena Hart's column in the Providence Bulletin, as quoted by Janet Pagter Johl, on pages 37 - 39 of her book Your Dolls and Mine:

"Mrs. N.M.R. (Mrs. Norman H. Robertson, grand-niece of Miss Walker) wrote me a fascinating account of a doll which she thinks is the predecessor of the Chase doll of Pawtucket. It was made in Central Falls by Miss Izannah Walker.(1817-1888) She was the aunt of my correspondent who says of her, "Always inventive, she had created a stockinette doll as early as 1848 when my mother was a little child in New London, Conn. Family tradition tells of her struggle to perfect her work and of the long wrestling with one problem, how to obtain a resistant surface to the stockinette heads, arms, and legs, without cracking or peeling. With this problem on her mind, Aunt Izannah suddenly sat up in bed one night to hear a voice say "use paste." It worked... Aunt Izannah always deplored the fact that she was not a man. However, she made dolls and doll furniture, tinkered with household gadgets, designed a parlor heater, "that beat Ben Franklins," raised canaries, dabbled in real estate, and was looked upon with admiration by male contemporaries because of her skill with carpenters' tools, so perhaps she was resigned."

Mrs. Singsen, an early collector whose Izannah Walker dolls were photographed in Janet Johl's book, contacted Izannah's grand-neice Norma H. Robertson for more information, and received the following reply :

"The Walker family came to Central Falls in Somerset Mass., and the first dolls were made for friends. One, owned by the family and now out west, is one of the very earliest and is practically life sized. Izannah Walker had three sisters, and as the business began to develop she put them to work painting the dolls faces. There were also darky dolls made, but these Mrs. Robertson said, had wool hair instead of painted on hair. From 1845, when the first doll is said to have been made,until she died in 1886, Izannah Walker carried on the business, not securing a patent until persuaded to do so by friends in 1873."

Izannah Walker black dolls differ from her Caucasian dolls in that the hair was not painted, but was applied wool to the top of the head. Who knows where this wonderful black doll is now? Collections shift and change often. Here is a closeup of the magazine page:

Black Izannah Walker Doll featured in Antique Doll World Sept/October 1993 issue.

Which brings me to my next gentle request. It would be a joy to feature your original antique Izannah Walker doll on the Izannah Walker Chronicles. All copyright of pictures is retained by you. You may offer pictures anonymously or publicly according to your comfort level. Please contact me using the button at the top of the page.

Thank you in advance for broadening

the knowledge of original Izannah Walker dolls.

Food for Thought: Other People's Questions

2010-12-04T05:31:00.000-08:00

Mary Phillips Gonzales, BluFrogg Gardens posted the following questions and observations in an Izannah discussion online. I asked her permission to post them here as food for thought. She wrote:

Here's another thought for you: Izannah was born in 1817, right? It appears that she (they) were making the dolls by 1845. She would have been 28 or so. We all agree that it has taken each of us several to many years to replicate her doll, and we are probably still not doing it altogether authentically I won't go into detail here), so how long do you think it took her (them) and how many trial and error dolls would they have had to make?

I don't know about you all, but I have boxes full of "attempts."

I realize that children of that age were taught much needlecraft, but the making of the molds, the design of the body, the way the heads were sewn on the early dolls....the painting.......all before the age of 28?

Fast forward to Aunt Jane, Izannah's mother figure. When Aunt Jane Swazey died in 1872, Izannah immediately began the patenting process. Her patent picture depicts the entire process, hand press, molds, and all, and the written patent description describes the process, but then says, specifically, that the only thing she is requesting a letter patent for is the process of putting the cloth batting in between two layers of fabric, to allow the oil paint to be more flexible.

But if you only look at the drawing, you might think that Izannah is patenting the entire process...the hand press, the molds and so forth. But all of that was already in common usage. Hawkins has a patent that also describes a press and molds, and that was 1868, and he wasn't patenting that either, just some other detail. You can't patent something in common useage, only that which is
new.

And then, when Izannah wrote her will, she willed this patent to her half brother David, not her sister Jane.

Just some thoughts to mull over. I have some wild speculations, but nothing more than a working knowledge of dollmaking and a dabbling in psychology to support it.

There are some really interesting implications here...did Izannah start with a body pattern designed by someone else? Was the press mold process a common one at the time? See Edyth O'Neill's pressed linen doll which is similar to a Hawkins doll as an example. So was Izannah only patenting the padding over the pressed linen? Hmmmmmmmm. Interesting theory.

Doll Collectors of America Convention Features Izannah Walker Dolls

2010-10-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

American Made Dolls & Figurines

The Doll Collectors of America, Inc., 1940
In late summer/early fall a reader of this site emailed to let me know that the Doll Collectors of America's convention for this year will be focused on exhibiting members' Izannah Walker dolls seated in their favorite chairs. What a site that will be, I am sure!

I tried finding more information about the Doll Collectors of America, and found the following information at Connie & Jaye Lowe's site:

"The first organized group of doll collectors was incorporated in 1936 as the Doll Collectors of America. Meeting monthly in the Boston area, these stalwart women recognized the historical significance of dolls and, being dedicated to research and education, mandated for themselves publication on a regular basis. Their early works, The Doll Collectors' Manuals, long out of print, are even today prized for their valuable content. The thirst for research and knowledge of their collections, many of which were family dolls, treasured and left by their mothers and grandmothers, led pioneer scholars/collectors such as Janet Johl, Eleanor St. George, and later the Coleman family to produce serious publications. The 1968 Coleman Encyclopedia of Dolls, and the companion 1986 Volume 2, remain the backbone of research. The hobby had reached such proportions that by the 1970s myriad price guides were being published. Today, the most widely used is the Blue Book by Jan Foulke."

I own a number of books from the mid 1900's which were published by the DCA, the latest I own being the 1983 Annual. I wonder if this event will be covered by one of the major doll magazines. I hope so! That would certainly fit in well with the past focus of DCA's pioneering of doll studies.

Withington Auction Izannah Pictures

2010-10-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

This was the last time that all three of these dolls will share a home, although the doll with the blue body covering and the large doll below will stay together.

The fingers of the large 26" doll were very long indeed!

The hammer price on this doll was $7,000,

to which a 13% buyer's premium is added.

I loved the blue body covering

on the doll that I had named "Experience."

She ended at $4,500 + 13%.

And this girl below was sweet as pie.

Someone mentioned that she had a less common face.

Even though she had a fragile split in one arm

and one leg the hammer price was $6,500 - add 13%.

While at the auction I met a few people I had only emailed before, and it was fun to put faces to names. One of them was a member of a group I lead - that was great fun. Another person I met reads this blog, and called me "the Izannah lady". She was surprised to hear I don't own an Izannah, but thought I had a closet full of them. Wouldn't that be fun?

There was a section of the hotel where dealers had set up in hotel rooms to sell antique dolls. One of the dealers had the sweetest boy Izannah doll (not for sale). It was amazing, and worth the drive down to the auction just to see that doll!

Izannah Walker Hands Question

2010-10-05T04:17:00.000-07:00

I received the following question by email, and thought it would be interesting to write about here for others to read about.

Susan Hedrick, in her article in "Soft Dolls and Animals," clearly says, "Molded hands..." and "all but the upper arms and upper legs appear to have been made in the pressed method..." Can this be true?

This is interesting to read, and a great question, but I'm not sure I have definitive answers. Most of the dolls I've seen have cloth hands, with stitching to indicate fingers, and an applied thumb. Some of them could have had paste applied to the hands, perhaps. Here are pictures of hands which have been posted here before, for you to look at and think about this question. What do you think?

UFDC's Izannah Walker Study Set

2010-09-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

I recently joined the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) as a member-at-large. UFDC has been kind enough to let me post PDF's of past Doll Reader articles focusing on Izannah Walker on this site. You can find these and other articles in the list in the sidebar.

UFDC also publishes an excellent magazine called Doll News, a magazine well worth reading. When you join UFDC, you receive the magazine as part of your membership. UFDC has other resources as well. One example is the wonderful Izannah Walker Study Set by Linda Edward, which a kind reader of this site sent to me. It is a slideshow of Izannah Walker dolls in CD format narrated by Linda Edward, who wrote Cloth Dolls Ancient to Modern. I learned some interesting things about Izannah Walker dolls from this study set. For example, I had assumed cotton was the stuffing in the dolls, but apparently Izannah used a variety of stuffing materials such as bran or sea grass as well as cotton. Like doll makers of today, she used what was plentiful at the time.

In becoming a UFDC member, you can join a local UFDC doll club and have full voting rights OR you can join as a member-at-large, which is great if you can't fit another meeting in your life.

Click here to visit UFDC's site.

Theory on the Missing Molds

2010-09-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Reuben Bates' molds, above

Ann Van Arnum has sent me several Izannah resources I hadn't seen. She also sen me a wonderful theory on what happened to Izannah's molds. The molds above are not Izannah's molds, but are eerily similar. I asked Ann if I could quote her on this site, and she said yes. So here is Ann's theory:

"My theory on the long gone molds is that before and during World War Two, there were Scrap Drives that took place all over New England. Perhaps the metal molds disappeared into the Scrap Drives when someone was cleaning out a cellar.

I grew up in a very old house with a very old cellar. My maiden aunts' home, which was where they grew up, was built sometime before the Civil War. The homes were very close together on the outskirts of Boston. I remember my aunts going down into their very old cellar and dragging out all kinds of metal things , and also going into the old barn, and taking out old metal things for the scrap drives."

The old adage “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” meant the end to many things we would consider historical treasures today.

Withington's to Auction Three Izannahs

2010-09-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Withington Auction, Inc. will be offering three Izannah Walker dolls at auction in October. These sneak preview pictures were shared to be posted on the Izannah Walker Chronicles, with additional pictures to come.

Is that a bit of blue I see in a body covering above?

The doll above is very similar in expression to

a doll that was in Maurine Popp's collection,

shown below.

Large 27.5 inch Izannah Doll,

formerly in Maurine Popp's collection,
auctioned in 2003 by Skinner's.

The doll below is being donated to a museum...

Lots to think about, and some mysteries, too!

The American Museum to Host Izannah Walker Doll Workshop

2010-09-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Over three years ago I started studying Izannah Walker Dolls in earnest. Who knew that these studies would eventually lead to developing my pattern? And that would lead to an online workshop. I was so surprised when some long established artists joined the online Izannah Walker Workshop (and a bit nervous, too, truth be told). And even more surprised (and honored) when I was invited to come to England to lead a workshop. Long-distance travel is very challenging for my family as I have a child with special needs, so I had to decline. But E. J. Taylor and Lynne Roche will do a marvelous job teaching this workshop using my pattern at the The American Museum in Bath, England. The American Museum has "a remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts, the museum shows the diverse and complex nature of American culture."

If you live in England, this is a fabulous opportunity to learn about this type of doll from two wonderful doll makers. The two weekend workshop fee is £250. Class size is limited, bookings will be taken by The American Museum.

Telephone: 01225 460503

www.americanmuseum.org

It was so fun to read the description of the class! If you are not able to travel to Bath, England, the online Izannah Walker Workshop is open for enrollment.

Best wishes to all you students of Izannah's work -

Dixie
Northdixie Designs

Izannah Walker Doll Sells for $8,500

2010-08-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

This Izannah Walker doll sold at Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers'. recent auction this past weekend for $8,500 to a floor bidder. The estimate was $4,000 - $6,000. I wonder who the lucky buyer was? This doll has a lively demeanor.

Old Tintypes and Daguerrotypes

2010-08-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

The photo above looks a lot like the picture of Miss Mary on the cover of Antique Doll Collector as well as Teresa Baker's carte de visite of a girl with an Izannah Walker doll. The doll above might be a papier mache doll, but those arms look an awful lot like Izzy arms. Hard to tell. Click here to see the image above in a larger format of the picture above.

I found this image in Mirror Image Gallery's Flickr - there is an amazing album of tintypes of children with toys.

Izannah's Year? Keep Your Eyes Open!

2010-08-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

I started this site on January 1, 2008 as a way of sharing pictures I was able to take of original Izannah Walker dolls. Over the past 2 years many large pixel pictures have been shared on this site, and I have worked hard to put together a clearing house to all the information on original Izannah Walker dolls that's out there. 2010 has been a stellar year in terms of artisans' focus on Izannah Walker. Some highlights are....

Three artists have designed and released Izannah Walker patterns.
Two artists have made molds of their original Izannah Walker dolls, using them to make reproduction dolls.
Another artist I know has a major Izannah project underway, studying the original dolls closely. It will be interesting to see that come to fruition.
A live Izannah Walker Workshop based on my pattern is going to be held at The American Museum in Bath, England.
179 people took my Izannah Walker Workshop (see link in sidebar).
An original Izannah Walker Doll will be auctioned tomorrow.

I wonder what Izannah would think of all this? I wonder what else might happen in 2010 in the Izannah World? My son teases me when I say, "Big things are happening in the Izannah World." His reply, "Oh, so there's an Izannah WORLD now, mom?"

Keep reading the Izzy Chronicles, because I will write about it all here. :-)

Antique Doll Collector - Izannah Articles

2010-08-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy Antique Doll Collector

Antique Doll Collector, Volume 1, No. 1

Nov/Dec 1997

Recently I purchased the back issues of Antique Doll Collector Vol. 1 on CD. I was thrilled to see a beautiful Izannah on the cover of the first issue. This doll was once owned by Lorna Lieberman and is the famed "Miss Mary" mint condition Izannah Walker doll Lorna arranged to go to the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. The story is well worth reading - and you can see that my own copy that I scanned below is dearly loved and acquiring "patina". The pictures in the article are outstanding - showing in detail the wonderful wardrobe which had been created for Miss Mary over the years.

Pictures courtesy Antique Doll Collector

March 2006, Volume 9, Number 2

Also in this the CD version of antique doll collector is this lovely doll below, which so hauntingly reminds me what Izannah's dolls might have looked like before "paste and paint" were added. I wonder if this doll was inspired by Izannah's works? The slope of the shoulders is similar...and the mouth looks very similar to R. John Wright's Izannah.

Picture courtesy Antique Doll Collector

Antique Doll Collector, Volume 1, No. 1

Nov/Dec 1997

courtesy of Withington Auction, Inc.

Don't the lips of the doll above look similar to this doll named "Ella" above? Or perhaps this closeup below of a doll from a picture in John Darcy Noble's book on p. 101 of Rare & Lovely Dolls of Two Centuries.

Do you see how looking through back issues of magazines with Izannah Walker pictures can get the mind thinking? If you're interested in ordering the back issues of Antique Doll Collector, click the link below.

Antique Doll Collector

Antique Doll Collector Back Issues List

Izannah Doll to be Auctioned in August by Skinner

2010-07-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

UPDATE - sold for $8,500 to a floor bidder.
The estimate was $4,000 -$6,000.

Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers has an Izannah Walker doll to be auctioned in the session on Aug 15 2010 10:00 a.m. Click here and scroll to item number 707 to see the item thumbnail and description. They graciously shared these pictures of the doll and gave permission to post them here:

and I always like to show the full doll at the end -
back to the beginning:

Barbara Spadaccini-Day at the American Museum

2010-07-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Barbara Spadaccini-Day
will be speaking on
"Izannah Walker 1827 - 1888: American Doll Maker"

July 20th at 2 p.m.
The American Museum
Bath, England

Learn of the fascinating and varied life of one of America's earliest known, female doll makers. Those of you who are within driving distance of Bath, England will not want to miss this! For more information please check telephone the American Museum at 01225 823014.

Reproduction Izannah Walker Dolls - Paula Walton

2010-07-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

Paula Walton's Izannah Walker Reproduction doll is made using a pattern she drafted from her original, antique Izannah Walker doll. This site is focused on original antique Izannah Walker dolls and what's going on in the "Izannah World." It's not a discussion site for repro dolls - that happens in the Maida Dolls Group. However, when someone uses an original Izannah Walker Doll for a pattern or head design, it is worth talking about here, as I did with Kathy Patterson's dolls in May Paula says,

"This painted cloth doll is a reproduction of one of the pre-patent c. 1850-1860 Izannah Walker dolls in my personal collection. Made specifically for the Izannah purist, who values a strict adherence to original construction methods and materials. This is an 18-1/2 inch tall all cloth doll. Her head is made from layers of pressed stockinette and cotton. She has bare feet with individually stitched toes, and applied thumbs. I drafted the patterns directly from my antique dolls and made the molds for the pressed cloth head using the original dolls. The doll’s body is made from 100% cotton fabric, her head is stiffened silk stockinet, and her “second skin” is made from glazed antique linen. She is stuffed with organic cotton stuffing to match the stuffing in the original dolls. All painted areas on the doll were first painted with gesso and then several layers of artist oils."

Paula's Reproduction Izannah Doll above is on Ebay,

Paula's inspiration is below:

Paula Walton's Original Izannah Walker Doll, above.

Aren't these original dolls inspiring to doll makers?

You can visit Paula's website
for more information about her creations.

Update on Reuben Bates' Molds - Monica Bessette to the Rescue!

2010-07-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Monica Bessette is an incredible treasure trove of information about anything related to Izannah Walker. After I asked the question "Where are Reuben Bates' molds?" Monica emailed me and said they are owned by the Rhode Island Historical Society. So I emailed Kirsten Hammerstrom, who replied

"We do own doll head molds made by Reuben Bates. We have two, one of a female and male face, but not the back or cranium side if the molds. The accession numbers are 1987.29.1A, the female mold and 1987.29.1B, the male."

Unfortunately the Rhode Island Historical Society is in the middle of a renovation which has necessitated moving many items, and so so they will not be able to accommodate a research visit for some time to come. But now we know where they are, at least.

Where are Reuben Bates' molds?

2010-06-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

"Hey!" you say, "This site is about Izannah Walker, so why are you talking about Reuben Bates?"

Well, dear reader, here is why. I was reading in Janet Johl's 1952 book Your Dolls and Mine, and again saw the picture of a "Reuben Bates" doll and the iron molds used to make it on P. 39, above. Some time ago the members of the Izannah Walker Dolls group (now on Maida Today) were wondering what the connection between Reuben Bates and Izannah might have been. The Reuben Bates doll looks remarkably like an Iznanah Walker doll.

Last year I did a little sleuthing on Ancestry.com to find out more about Reuben Bates, and found him living in Providence, Rhode Island in the 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses. He was listed as a "pattern maker" which may translate to mean mold maker.

The often quoted Providence Bulletin written by Philomena Hart quotes a Mrs. N. M. R. who was a neice of Izannah's saying that "Izannah designed a parlor stove that beat Ben Franklin's." It can be assumed that Izannah did not have an iron works in her back yard, and that in designing a parlor stove may have visited an iron works or stove manufacturing company. Could it possibly have been the Barstow Stove Manufacturing Company where Reuben Harlow Neal Bates was employed?

Here is what is written about Reuben Harlow Neal Bates' molds and dolls in Your Dolls and Mine by Janet Johl:

"This additional information about a highly cherished example of an early American doll is indeed welcome. Collectors can, however, be doubly grateful to Mrs. Singsen for she has added to the data of this particular era of doll by making the amazing find of a rag doll with its original mold. Although undoubtedly inspired by Izannah Wlaker, this doll was created by a man named Reuben Harlow Neal Bates who was born in 1802 in Attleboro, Massachusetts. He was a pattern maker all his life residing for a number of years in Providence, Rhode Island probably about 1840 until his death. He was employed by the Barstow Stove Manufacturing Company and it may have been during hs work there that he developed the mold from which the "Bates" doll was made.

This mold is most unusual and interesting for it is of iron and therefore very heavy. One half, fitting down firmly and tightly on to the other, pressed the features and head into the desired shapes.

Izannah Walker commenced making her cloth dolls in 1840 and the similarity in type is what makes one believe that Reuben Bates had her dolls in mind when he made his own mold. So far as is known his dolls were never offered for sale. Perhaps they were made for his own large family, or for his friends.

"The body of this most interesting specimen," writes Mrs. Singsen, "is well made and is covered with blue cloth. The pattern for the body was in the possession of the lady from whom the doll was obtained as well as the mold, her husband having been a descendant of Reuben Bates, but at the moment she could not locate it. In the photogrpah, the mold to the right, is of rouse, the hollow part. Note also that the doll's mouth is slightly crooked and that one eye is higher than the other."

One wonders how many of the Bates dolls are out there and are identified as Izannah Walker dolls? These are the kinds of mysteries that may never be solved but are interesting to try to solve. Could Reuben's mold have been the first trial mold taken for Izannah? Or did he see an Izannah doll and try to copy it? Is this why Izannah felt she needed to get her patent? When I was talking with my husband about this he said, "Maybe Izannah WAS Reuben Bates." He's such a jokester.

All of these questions bring up the question of WHERE are Reuben H. Neal Bates' iron molds.? They were last written about by Janet Johl and documented by photograph in her 1952 book Your Dolls and Mine as being owned by Lila Singsen (aka Mrs. Edward Singsen), who was a noted doll collector of the time. This is why keeping track of where the antique dolls have been is important - it sometimes gives clues to present mysteries to be solved. I bet some of you out there should look in your basement for some iron molds.

Frances Walker, Collector

2010-06-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today I began putting a list together to thank all the people who have shared images of Izannah Walker dolls and articles about Izannah Walker dolls. Please see the list to the left. This is an ongoing task, and I will continue to add to it. Listing these made me think about how collectors, museums, auction companies and shops contribute to the preservation of these wonderful dolls, and to the history of our country. And also how all of these have contributed to the development of this site dedicated to learning about Izannah Walker dolls. You all have shared in large pixel ways. Thank you.

I learned about Frances Walker, who is quoted in the article above, from another collector who remembers seeing her first Izannah Walker doll at the auction of Frances Walker's collection. The article above was posted in the St. Petersburg Times in 1972, and quotes Frances Walker.

Of course, seeing that Frances had the last name of Walker gives rise to the question of how Frances' family might have been connected to Izannah's. Click the image above to go to the Google News site where you can read the article at full size.

Izannah Walker Dolls at Lucy's Doll House

2010-06-07T12:54:00.001-07:00

The antique Izannah Walker dolls above
are available for purchase at Lucy's Doll House:

Click here for contact information
for Lucy's Doll House

To see current dolls available from dealers,
click the tab at the top of the page that says,

"Original Antique
Izannah Walker Dolls
for Purchase"

Teresa Baker's Picture Trail

2010-06-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

Teresa Baker, aka Dolls of Yore is the first person who mentioned Izannah Walker dolls to me, because I emailed her when I saw one of her Izannah inspired dolls. Teresa is an incredible artist and a wonderful researcher. She has amassed a great collection of Izannah Walker doll pictures, which you can find here at Teresa's Izannah Album. Be sure to check out Teresa's own creations. I was searching through her album today trying to find pictures of Izannah boy dolls, which you can find a boy doll here and another boy doll here.

Izannah Walker Eyes

2010-06-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

Izannah's Elbows?

2010-05-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Izannah skillfully hid much of the connection points of her doll's jojints underneath the body covering. Those of us who are dollmakers are always wondering what's underneath that covering! Up until recently, I had always assumed that Izannah's dolls had no jointing at the elbows, and if there were joints, that's because the doll had been repaired. Jackie Hendricks asked Kathy Patterson in the previous post if her original doll is jointed at the elbows as she has made her Izannah reproduction doll's arms. The following three pictures are courtesy of Kathy Patterson, who sent pictures of her original doll's elbow joints below:

Picture courtesy Kathy Patterson

Of course we also don't know what has been done to some dolls which have been with us for well over 100, and sometimes 150 years. Below are elbow areas of dolls that I have taken or that I've been given permission to post. It's up to the reader to look carefully and decide is this how Izannah originally made the doll or has it been "helped".

If any of you collectors or museums have pictures of original joints, please share!

Kathy Patterson's Izannah Walker Reproduction Dolls

2010-05-24T11:39:00.001-07:00

Reproduction Izannah Walker doll
by Kathy Patterson

This blog is focused specifically on original Izannah Walker dolls, not on reproduction or Izannah Walker inspired dolls. So why is this post about someone making Izannah Walker reproduction dolls?

Reproduction Izannah Walker doll by Kathy Patterson

Because Kathy Patterson, known for making wonderful wooden reproduction dolls, has purchased original Izannah Walker dolls and had molds made of the original Izannah Walker dolls' faces. She is using these molds to make copies of the original Izannah Walker dolls she has purchased. The mold-making process takes an impression of the original doll in its worn state, right down to the ridges of the stockinette in the original dolls and any wear spots on the face. After Kathy makes the head from the mold, she paints the copy of the head and shoulders so that it resembles the original doll. Kathy makes the bodies to closely follow the lines of the specific bodies she has purchased. I think it's big news in the Izannah world that someone has been able to do this. Of course, Kathy signs the works to distinguish them from original Izannah Walker dolls. To read more about Kathy's process, visit her site called Babes from the Woods.

Pictures of Izannah Walker Dolls: Feet

2010-05-02T05:22:00.001-07:00

For the Izannah Walker Workshop online class I've been giving, I put together an album of the feet of dolls that have been posted here on the Izannah Walker Chronicles. So I thought I would share the Feet Slideshow here as well. Enjoy!

Izannah Walker Overseas: The American Museum and Selvedge Magazine

2010-04-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

If you live in Great Britain, and you love Izannah Walker dolls, you'll want to pay attention to this...

Barbara Spadaccini-Day will be giving a talk on Izannah Walker at The American Museum in Bath, England on July 20, 2010 at 2 p.m. An expert on dolls, a past curator of the toy department at the Musée des Art Decoratifs in Paris, author of A Celebration of Enchantment and co-author of The Dolls of Jules Nicolas Steiner, Ms. Spadaccini-Day writes for many publications both in Europe and the United States. If you are interested in attending the lecture, please check The American Museum's web listing or telephone 01225 823014 for more information. Be sure to check out The American Museum's lovely online collection.

For more Izannah news in Great Britain, the Izannah Walker Chronicles has been mentioned in Selvedge magazine, published in Great Britain. You can find the magazine on sale here in the States or you can subscribe for an online digital subscription.

Little Compton Historical Society's Izannahs

2010-04-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Berkeley, a member of the Izannah Walker Dolls group, went on an Izannah tour recently in the Rhode Island, Massachusetts area.

Jennifer with the Izannah doll -
I recognize the happy look on her face!

Little Compton Historical Society was one of Jennifer's stops on her Izannah tour. I've posted small pictures of the Little Compton dolls here before, but Jennifer was able to get some larger closeups of the dolls at Little Compton. Thank you, Jennifer for sharing these epictures with the Izannah Walker Chronicles. Be sure to go to Jennifer's blog to see more - the links are at the top of the page of her blog. Beautiful! It makes me want to do an Izannah tour as well. Plus I have ancestors from Little Compton from early colonial times.

Little Compton's site has an improved online collection where you can read more about these dolls. Type Izannah into their search bar and information about the dolls will come up. The doll in green is a barefoot Izannah and is wearing Bru shoes.

Finding the Izannah Walker Doll Pictures

2010-03-24T03:39:00.001-07:00

Izannah picture links have been
moved to their own page.

Click "pictures & documents" at the top of the page to view them. I'm trying to re-organize this site so that the information is easier to find, and not so much to wade through on the first page. Thanks for visiting!

~ Dixie, Northdixie Designs

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.

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.

Dixie Redmond - Izannah Walker Doll Workshop Class,
Another session of the Izannah Walker Workshop will be held in the Fall of 2010, so be sure to get your name on the class list now. The cost of the class is $60, which includes the pattern, 82 pages of instruction, many, many pictures of original Izannah dolls, videos, a message board for class communication, and lots of information to help you in the making of your doll. Click here to read comments by Izannah Walker Workshop members.

Paula Walton - Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class By Mail

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

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 have opened a social network at ning.com for dollmakers, pattern designers, collectors and students of antique inspired dolls. At Maida Today Dolls Group there is a sub-group for those who enjoy talking about 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

Izannah Walker and Maggie Bessie Dolls...

2009-05-22T17:55:00.001-07:00

It's funny how connections are made. I belong to the Yahoo group Vintage Cloth Dollmaking. One of the members mentioned a fabulous Maggie Bessie pattern that has been developed by Bradley Justice. So of course I wanted to buy the pattern, because Maggie Bessie dolls are very intriguing and beautiful. When I got the pattern, I sent a Maggie Bessie doll picture to Bradley, mentioning that I write a site dedicated to Izannah Walker. Bradley then sent me some pictures of an original Izannah Walker doll and got permission from the owner of the Izannah doll to post them here. How wonderful! Many thanks to Bradley and to the owner of the original Izannah Walker doll.

Bradley Justice's Maggie Bessie Inspired Pattern
"A North Carolina Doll"

Let's talk a bit about Bradley's Maggie Bessie inspired pattern. He was able to look at original Maggie Bessie dolls and study their construction prior to developing his pattern. The North Carolina Doll (his name for the pattern) makes up into a 14 inch doll. A perfect size for most dollmakers. If you are interested in purchasing the Maggie Bessie pattern, email shawstein@aol.com for more information. The pattern for the doll and traditional Maggie Bessie dress is $15. Bradley has an additional dress pattern and "haube cap" pattern to be purchased separately.

Here are the Izannah Walker Doll pictures Bradley is sharing here with the permission of the owner of the doll -

Another Original Izannah Walker Doll

2009-05-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am hopeful to have some pictures of a new original Izannah doll sometime in the next couple of weeks, so check back. :-)

Two Izannah Walker Dolls to Be Auctioned

2009-04-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

"Let the Little Lambs Play"

On April 26th not one but two Izannah Walker dolls will be auctioned in Theriault's "Let the Little Lambs Play" April 26th auction in Short Hills, New Jersey. A huge thank you to Theriault's for allowing me to post the pictures here. Click the pictures to be taken to the auction descriptions.

Pre-patent Izannah Auctioned on Ebay?

2009-04-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

An Ebay auction entitled Antique Pre Patent Izannah Walker Doll - Wonderful ended yesterday. The doll in question has a wooden head, and a body that might or might not be Izannah-like...hard to tell as there were no pictures of the body. It would have been great to see how the doll's body was connected to the head, that might have been an important clue.

The doll was listed as a pre-patent Izannah Walker doll because it had a tag that said,

"21 inch pre-patent doll probably around 1850's. Obtained from the original owner's family. Face does have some paint loss but still retains her lovely charm. Her arms and legs were replaced sometime around the turn of the century by a loving family member. $5,500."

The doll is interesting in its own right but it is unlike any Izannah Walker doll I've seen in person or in pictures. Perhaps it could be like this doll below from the Strong Museum if it lost it's fabric face...what do you think? Have you ever seen a wooden pre-patent Izannah?

Where Izannah Is Buried

2009-03-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Monica Bessette left the following comment in regards to the previous entry (I have edited out one phrase). And the find was courtesy of Diane. Thanks, Diane! And thanks Monica for sharing the information you know.

Hi Dixie,

Izannah is buried in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI, a beautifully landscaped cemetery which is not far from her final home in Central Falls, RI.

During the late 1800's there was a movement away from family and church burial grounds to the more elaborate, park-like cemeteries befitting our well-to-do citizens.

She is buried along side her best friend, Emeline Whipple. I'm not sure if Izanah made these arrangements or Emeline, and have always wondered about the implications of two women being buried side by side. Izannah died first, so she may not have had a say in it, but I can't imagine that either!

The cemetery in Somerset is the family plot, and she may have had every intention to be buried there, but she left Somerset during the 1850's and probably changed her mind about that being her final resting place.

Good find!

Monica Bessette
The Search for Izannah Walker

Palmer St. Cemetary in Somerset

2009-03-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I got the pictures in this post from Diane Goodwin, who had recently been to the Palmer St. Cemetery in Somerset (assuming Massachusetts). She sent the pictures in this post, as well as the following email. Thanks, Diane! She writes:

I came across this monument in the historic Palmer St Cemetery in Somerset today. The names match Izannah and Jane, and I think Jane purchased the plot from the info on the cemetery plans. Their house at 373 Main St was owned by the Hintz family on the 1871 map. Do the dates match your info on the dollmakers?

There are 4 sides to the monument. Inscribed on the sides:

Jerathmel Bowers Swasey
born on the 1st day, 5th mo 1752
died 4th day, 2D mo 1826

Sarah Hellon
his wife
born Feb 23, 1757,
died Dec 25, 1836

Parthenia Palmer
Their Daughter
died Nov 3, 1833
aged 47

Anthony Hintz
died Nov 22, 1839
aged 53

Jane Hellon Swasey
his wife
died Sept 7, 1872
aged 76

Gilbert Walker
died May 30, 1825
aged 63

Sarah Swasey
his wife
died Aug 3, 1824,
aged 43

Anthony Hintz
their son
died 1824
aged 11 days;

Izannah Frankford
their daughter
died Feb 15,1888
aged 70

Jane Hintz Walker
born Sept 9, 1814
died Oct 6 1899

----------------------------

Dixie's note here - I'm not sure where I got this information from, but I believe that Izannah is not buried in this family plot, but in another town with a marker that says Izannah F. Walker. I need to search through all the articles I've collected, but will have to do that another time. If any of YOU know more about this, please comment.

The Backposts Have Lots of Wonderful Pictures

2009-02-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

Someone asked a bit ago where they could find the pictures I took of the Izannahs from the Strong Museum in the back posts. I took hundreds of pictures and spent hours and hours editing and saving the pictures for posting. It was a joy to share them here. I'll also put them in links in the sidebar for future reference. This is just to remind you that the backposts have many wonderful pictures which are not accessible in the sidebar. So scroll down and click on "older posts" to see previously posted pictures. And here are links to posts with the Izannah dolls from my trip to the Strong Museum.

The Texture of 100 Years of Dollhood

2009-02-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

The texture of over 100 years of dollyhood is beautiful. It's my hope that the creations I make will be around 100 years from now and more, even if they show the signs of loving care of their owners. You've seen this doll before, but not some of the detail pictures I was able to take, courtesy of Lucy's Doll House in Camden, Maine.

The dress on this doll is particularly sweet.
The fabric was so fine and thin, and the print so charming.

This particular doll was layered in clothing - she had on pantaloons, then a chemise and under slip, and then on top of that was an embroidered dress undergarment, and finally the sweet dress above.

Izannahs owned by Little Compton Historical Society

2009-01-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Little Compton Historical Society will be doing an exhibit on toys in the summer of 2009 and should have most of their dolls on display for that exhibit. That will include the two Izannah Walker dolls owned by the society. Marjory O'Toole, the managing director of the society graciously sent me some PDFs of their dolls. Nancy Gibbs, an Izannah lover and Jericho Mountain folk artist, graciously converted the PDFs of the dolls so that I could post them here. Be sure to check out both their websites, by clicking on their names. There may be a possibility of getting clearer pictures in the future, when the dolls are on display, but for now I am very thankful for this information.

The Case of the Missing Apron and Dress

2009-01-28T06:24:00.001-08:00

If you look at the apron and dress above you will see it was with the Izannah that recently was sold by Theriault's when that doll was in a Skinner Auction a few years ago. That doll is the first Izannah doll I was able to take pictures of. I wonder what happened to the gingham dress and apron before it was auctioned by Theriault's?

On another note - I received some wonderful information from Little Compton Historical Society about the Izannahs in their collection. The information is in PDF format, and I don't know how to convert to JPG other than printing and scanning the hard copy. If any of you are more computer literate and know how to convert a PDF docoument to a JPG, then please let me know. Then I'll be able to post the information about the Little Compton Izannahs. :-)

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

Izannah Walker Dolls,

picture courtesy of Joy Harrington

Click the picture to enlarge

Today I opened an email from Joy Harrington, who had sent the wonderful picture above of two Izannah dolls and their friends. They are waiting for Santa next to the chimney, stockings all hung. Thanks so much to Joy for sharing this picture for all of us who love Izannah Walker dolls. Also in the picture is a black cloth circa 1870 as well as a parian and a wax over Motchman boy. Here are some closeups from the picture above...

Tomorrow will mark the first anniversary of the Izannah Walker Chronicles. I started the blog without much forethought, almost on a whim on New Year's Day of 2008. I did it because I had all these pictures I was able to take of Izannah dolls and I wanted to share. Through writing this blog, I have experienced so many wonderful joys and have met wonderful people.

So Happy New Year to all of you Izannah Walker enthusiasts out there!

Theriault's Will Auction Izannah

2008-12-23T04:51:00.000-08:00

Click here to see the Izannah doll to be auctioned by Theriault's

Izannah Walker Doll at Carmel Doll Shop

2008-12-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

It is a very fun thing to visit the website of the Carmel Doll Shop. They have all kinds of wonderful dolls, dollhouses, doll clothing - the list goes on! One of my favorite sections is the "early dolls" section. This month when I was checking it out I noticed they have an Izannah Walker doll for sale. I called and spoke with Michael Canadas and asked if I could post the pictures of the Izannah Walker doll they have here on the Izannah Walker Chronicles. I was so glad to hear Michael say, "Sure, that would be fine." Music to my ears!

This doll is a bit different - she has painted eyelashes which I haven't seen before. The hairstyle is feathered in the back and the front has little painted curls which frame the face. Beautiful!

Aren't these pictures wonderful?