Collection Guide
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Children's Literature Paper Doll Collection: Finding
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priDoll
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Children's literature paper doll collection
Identifier/Call Number: priDoll
Physical Description:
3 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Date: approximately 1860s-1920s
Abstract: A collection of handmade paper dolls, a
photograph, and two leaves of paper dating from approximately the 1860s to the 1920s,
presumably created by a Miss Edith Thompson of England. A verso of one of the two leaves is
dated 1923, but the date of the original writing on recto is unknown. The dolls were created
in approximately the 1860s, and were modeled after friends, family, and children's literary
characters from the 1840s to 1860s.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Children's literature paper doll collection, The Huntington
Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Eclectibles, May 2023.
A collection of handmade paper dolls, a photograph, and two leaves of paper dating from
approximately the 1860s to the 1920s. The collection was stored in a wooden box containing
thirty-four paper dolls of human characters, seven paper dolls of various animals, and
fourteen wooden stands for the dolls.
On the verso of two billheads addressed to Miss Edith Thompson of England is a handwritten
reflection on which literary characters, friends, and family members the dolls depict.
Thompson is presumably both the author and the creator of the dolls. Her writing includes
personal anecdotes and characteristics regarding their creation. Many of her descriptions of
the dolls mention references to characters from children's poetry and literature published
from the 1840s to 1860s; she references rabbits and cats from Otto Spekter's Picture Fables,
1858; "Eunice" from Mrs. Barbauld's Hymns in Prose, 1864; "Daisy" from a Wordsworth poem,
and more.
Also included is a black-and-white photograph measuring 2 x 4 inches of two women's backs
as they walk towards an arched path; of unknown origin.
Processed by Mari Khasmanyan in March 2024.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Children -- Books and reading -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th
century
Children's literature, English -- 19th century
Imagination in children
Paper dolls
Paper toys