t h e
r u t h
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f u n k
p r i v a t e
c o l l e c t i o n
Dolls E T C E T E R A
P h o t o g r a p h s
b y
D o m i n i c
A g o s t i n i
Ruth E. Funk
Dolls E T C E T E R A
Photographed by Dominic Agostini Edited by Anita M. Kasmar Designed by Lilian M. Oliveira
As you peruse these pages‌ Most every item in my collection has a country of origin, year, size, and material description. I classify my dolls and collectibles by the approximate year in which they were made. If the year is unknown, I use a general era, such as antique, vintage, or modern to indicate its age. Antique: 1800 to 1925 Vintage: 1925 to 1980 Modern: 1980 to Present When I note the material used, it is based on the head of the doll. For example, if I have specified wood, it means that the head is made of carved wood, but the body may be of another material such as stuffed cloth. All measurements are approximate. Nearly every item is hand-painted or handcrafted unless it is a modern doll or more contemporary toy of mass production.
Table of Contents My Story........................................................................................ 11 Ethnic Dolls.................................................................................. 15 Global souvenirs and international costume dolls acquired through world travels.
Fashion, Play & Antique Dolls......................................... 101 Miniature tea set, page 146
Traditional well-dressed ladies, toddlers, and babies for child’s play and display.
Miniatures & Accessories .................................................. 141 Diminutive furnishings, tiny décor, and small-scale houses.
Retablos & Nativities.............................................................. 169 Colorful Spanish Colonial folk art, religious-themed scenes, and secular holiday décor.
Figurines........................................................................................ 187 Special statues, inspiring angels, fun puppets, and other one-of-a-kind pieces.
Animals.......................................................................................... 223 Hand-crafted creatures great and small, handmade curios, and cherished plush toys.
Collector Tips............................................................................. 246 My Victorian Dollhouse....................................................... 247 Resources & Links.................................................................. 262
“Nothing that grieves us can be called little: by the eternal laws of proportion a child’s loss of a doll and a king’s loss of a crown are events of the same size.” Mark Twain
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My Story I never thought I would write a book about my favorite dolls and collectibles. Collecting dolls is a very personal passion and usually begins during childhood. I’m proud to say that I’ve been a happy collector for more than 60 years and counting. I have always loved dolls. I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have several “play dolls” as well as ones from different countries which had been given to me by my parents’ friends while I was growing up. I can still remember the extreme heartbreak at about six years of age when I broke the porcelain head of my Bye-Lo Baby by Grace S. Putnam, which was made in Germany during the 1920s. I could never replace that doll and have this awful feeling of loss even today whenever I think about it. My parents bought our first home in Dallas, Texas, when I was about six years old and my family lived in this house Avid doll collector Ruth Funk relaxes in her living room surrounded by books and prized possessions.
until I was in my 20s. It had a lovely child’s playhouse out in the backyard that was probably about eight by ten feet inside with two windows and a front door. It was nearly six feet high, the perfect size for little girls. I remember it had a school desk, a rocking chair, and a table. My mother had covered wooden boxes with cloth and cushions for seating. I so enjoyed playing make-believe in that playhouse. When I was around eight years old, my father built me a simple dollhouse out of two orange crates.
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Ethnic Dolls
France, 1990. 7 ½", stuffed cloth. The French ballet dancer is posed en pointe, has a delicately painted face, and wears a red-dotted tutu and satin shoes.
France, 1999. 7", stuffed cloth over wire. Marie Antoinette-inspired lady has painted eyes, pearl earrings, and wears a beautifully made lacecovered blue ball gown.
France, 1999. 8 ½", stuffed cloth over wire. French military officer wears his felt jacket with gold braid details.
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France, 1999. 9", stuffed cloth over wire. Napoleon-inspired officer wears his classic felt hat with fur uniform.
France, vintage. 7", stuffed cloth. A piccolo player is made of stuffed cloth with painted hair and eyes and wears a French-inspired suit.
France, 1999. 9", stuffed cloth over wire. Medieval man with flag is dressed in a crusader costume reminiscent of 12th century history.
France, vintage. 7 他", stuffed cloth. The French cancan dancer wears a frilled corset dress with beading and high-heeled boots characteristic of the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
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Thailand, 1975. 12", composition. Bangkok dancer in classic Thai pose wears traditional glittered cloth costume.
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Japan, 1950. 5 ½", wood. Kokeshi doll is all handpainted, including facial features and stylized clothes.
Japan, 1945. 3", wood. Girl has hand-painted features and formed cotton fabric to indicate arms. The sign reads, "Haruna Lake."
Japan, 1930. 6 ½", composition. Japanese lady with glass eyes wears a traditional embellished cotton kimono.
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Egypt, 1950. 9 ½", stuffed cloth. Rare Arab figure on stuffed leather camel has painted eyes and wears cotton and leather regional garments.
Israel, 1950. 6 ½", composition. The woman figure holding a crate has a painted face, yarn hair and is dressed in a cotton tunic and pants.
Egypt, vintage. 9", clay. Man has a stuffed cloth body and moveable arms and legs; he wears the traditional cotton robe, knitted cap, satin scarf, and cardboard sandals.
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India, 1970s. 6 ½", stuffed cloth. From Maharaja, the couple is dressed in exquisite silk and beaded regional attire.
India, vintage. 13", paper. Hand-painted facial features and paper sari with foil details makes the lady unique.
India, vintage. 7 ½", stuffed cloth. Royal girl has a hand-painted face and wears an organdy and cotton sari with beads.
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Fashion, Play & Antique Dolls
Display. Elegant. Adorable.
“Dolls have precious personalities, unique character, and very special meaning.”
H i storically, the very first play dolls were made in Germany for the purpose of spreading the latest fashions. Some were decorative boudoir dolls or “bed dolls,” and others were intended as young girls’ playthings. I first became interested in collecting when my mother gave me a doll in the 1930s and I started hand-sewing and using my Singer sewing machine to make little outfits for her. Once the Germans began making dolls, the French and English quickly followed, and the American doll industry took root not long after the country was established. Early German dolls were primarily made with ceramic, while British artisans chose wax as their medium; composition dolls are credited to the German and American industries. In all regions, materials varied from wax and wood to ceramic, celluloid, and cloth. Portrait, fashion, and baby dolls fall into the large “play” genre even though some were strictly made to be admired or displayed. These early dolls debuted during the 17th and 18th century, before the advent of cameras. As an alternative to portrait sketches and paintings, artisans often created dolls to resemble people they knew as well as storybook characters and royals; children immediately loved these imaginative playthings. Dollmaking became a recognized art form and artists from all over the world began crafting original handmade creations. As happens with all good ideas, the art soon turned into an industry, eventually evolving to encompass plastic and vinyl doll-toys that are mass-produced around the world today. My collection of antique wooden ladies, portrait characters, classic babies, and fashion dolls is quite eclectic and came together organically over time. Dolls have a way of calling out to you, of captivating you with their style, facial expression, and apparel. Most of mine were originally intended for children’s creative play and pretending. I played make-believe with some of mine, but kept others in pristine condition, displayed on my shelves or bed.
France, 1875. 17", wax. Jeune fille has blue glass eyes and wears an elaborate silk frock fitted to a graceful porcelain jointed body.
It’s easy to fall in love with dolls. My favorites are those that are not very valuable or considered investment-worthy. For me, it’s all about enjoying their individual looks and personalities as well as appreciating their artistic characteristics, unique beauty, and special craftsmanship.
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France, 1880. 6 ½", porcelain. The blue-eyed beauty has moveable arms and legs and wears her original timeworn dress.
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USA, 1900. 20", porcelain. Rescued antique girl with composition body was completely repaired and wears a new handmade dress from the 1950s.
England, 1983. 8 Âź", porcelain. British charmers have painted hair and faces and wear matching pantaloons and lace-edged aprons.
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Miniatures & Accessories
Treasures. Petite. Delightful.
“Enjoying dolls and dollhouses broadens the imagination.”
What’s less than six inches tall but huge inspiration for imaginative play? Miniature dolls! They are the most adorable, pocket-sized people that young girls love to possess and place in their dream dollhouses. The wonderful genre of miniatures captures the hearts of so many collectors and I’m one of them. Tiny and timeless, the handmade figures are quite detailed and proportioned just like full-size dolls. Dollhouses have been made for hundreds of years in every architectural style and are still being made by artisans today. In the 1970s, I had the pleasure of acquiring my one and only house through a purchase from a private collector. Its handcrafted architecture and construction was inspired by Victorian design, with each room interior lined in finely printed wallpaper and appointed with genuine wooden doors and trim; there’s even a carved fireplace and ornate decorative tin ceilings. The handmade miniature dolls I’ve collected include mother, father, children, and babies, so an entire family resides in the house, bringing to life each room setting. On display in my home, I love to look at each vignette as a nostalgic glimpse into yesteryear. Over the years I have enjoyed collecting both miniature dolls and dollhouse furniture. Little chairs of authentic period designs interest me, those with splendid workmanship and perfect scale. I own one prized English mahogany chair, a classic Windsor side chair, and rustic twig rocker that are delightful in their unique ways. Mini fashion accessories like vintage chapeaus, a wicker pram, and a wooden dressmaker form are just a few of the charming pieces I have discovered, adding variety to my treasured collection. I also have an affinity for miniature tea sets made of porcelain and silver imported from various countries. They are lovely when displayed in an étagère or placed in any dollhouse setting. And my miniature figures, which are not classified as dolls per se, are enchanting to have and to hold. Little elfin characters and petite pets can put a smile on your face just by sitting on a shelf or peeking out of a dollhouse window. I especially love my wooden carved windmill and Swiss country house scene from Europe. They remind me of travels with my husband to Amsterdam, Holland, and Geneva, Switzerland.
Philippines, vintage. 18 ¼", wood. The charming ladies’ dress form features a floral-decorated composition body.
The history of dollhouses and miniatures is fascinating and there are many prestigious museums devoted to this small world. I encourage you to collect in the captivating land of little things.
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China, vintage. 16 ½", wood. The traditional fan-backed spindle chair is stained to resemble mahogany.
USA, vintage. 26", wood. Intended for a child’s tea table, the classic Chippendale mahogany chair was made by Baker Furniture and has an upholstered seat.
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USA, 1970s. 10", wood. An authentic reproduction, the Chippendale chair is mahogany with an upholstered seat.
USA, 1970s. 7", wood. Painted black, the English Windsor chair is a reproduction of the original 1875 design made to exacting scale. Purchased in Cape Cod.
USA, antique. 29", wood. The Scotch plaid wingback child’s chair is a prime example of Early American furniture.
USA, 1970s. 7 Âź", wood. The spindle-backed chair made by Baker Furniture is a replica of the genuine Windsor style from 18th-century England.
USA, antique. 15", wood. Wingback style upholstered chair is dollhouse-sized.
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Retablos & Nativities
Spiritual. Colorful. Symbolic.
“Fine details delight me so, especially an intricately painted facial expression.”
I have always been fascinated by retablos, Mexican folk art figures, and Spanish colonial devotional art. My collection, albeit modest, is one that I treasure. These three-dimensional art pieces are referred to as laminas in Mexico. Retablos are very personal to their owners and are used as decorative altar art displayed in private homes from the poorest villages to city dwellings. They are handmade by locals who continue creating original, meaningful art in the cultural tradition of their people. Traditionally crafted out of tin or hand-carved wood, retablos depict Christian symbolism such as crosses, Catholic saints, and angels. They are always colorful and painted in bright tones, but have deep spiritual meaning. Like miniature table altars, they remind us of our own beliefs about religion and bring out a reverence for life. I began collecting retablos in the 1950s when I traveled to Mexico. I was inspired to have them in my home even though I was not a particularly religious person. I appreciated their rustic simplicity and vibrant painted details. Artists today are still making retablos and many museums are dedicated to these symbolic objets d’art, especially those preserved from the 19th century with an intertwining of religious and cultural beliefs. I also have collected some interesting Mexican folk art pieces featuring tiny masks to round out my collection. Another collectible that I have grown to love is nativity art. People have been depicting the birth of Christ for over 1,000 years. Nativities show the holy family based on biblical stories and are created from wood, stone, cornhusks, and many other materials. Depending on the country of origin, nativity sets can be found in just about anything you can imagine. I’ve seen crocheted sets from Vietnam, soapstone pieces from Kenya, felt designs from Afghanistan, and clay nativities from Mexico and Haiti. Some are quite primitive and handmade by people from Third World countries. I’ve even discovered unusual sets in bamboo and mother of pearl. My nativities are primarily made of carved olive wood, indigenous to the Middle East. I think that starting a nativity collection is wonderful to do and Christmas is the perfect time to find your first one. I bought my first nativity in the 1940s. You’ll find one-piece designs, sets with individual figures, and even miniature triptychs. They are
Peru, 1990s. 10", clay. The unique wood-framed mirror features theatrical masks, ladies’ hats, figures at play, and a nativity scene on top.
worth searching for and collecting for a sublime display any time of year. For fun, I’ve also included a few of my beloved Santa Claus dolls that I’m quite fond of. You can customize your holiday collection to suit your taste and curiosity by simply including your favorite things.
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Peru, vintage. 8" x 14", wood. Made to celebrate Carnival during the days before Lent, the hinged box displays 50 brightly painted, one-inch character masks.
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Peru, 1980s. 3 ¾" x 6 ½", clay and papier-mâché. An elaborate nativity scene and stable is vividly painted in its wooden display box.
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Figurines
Original. Enchanting. Cultural.
“I’ve had a love affair with dolls from everywhere.”
From exotic imports to whimsical American folk art, there’s a wide range of fascinating figurines to collect. I have enjoyed collecting adorable fabric angels, porcelain figurines, symbolic statues, Native American kachina dolls, Thai marionettes, and even carved ebony African sculptures. A handcarved kachina is one of the most colorful dolls in my collection. Authentic kachina dolls are made only by Hopi artists. However, Native American tribes like the Navajo, Zuni, Pueblo, and Apache also make kachina dolls. Kachinas or katsinas are actually stylized religious icons, meticulously carved from cottonwood root and painted to represent figures from Hopi mythology. Visual representations of spirits in life and originally given as gifts in hope of future abundance and health and to educate tribal children about their guiding spirits, these traditional dolls are beautiful collectibles worth seeking. Whether you collect for sentimental reasons, decorative attraction, or antiquarian interests, it matters not. Your prized collection is about what catches your eye, appeals to you, and makes you feel happy and inspired. Gnomes and cherubs, soldiers and servants, Santa Clauses and storybook characters, my figurines comprise a catchall genre that spans fine and rare collectibles to simply enchanting curios that bring back memories of experiences and trips. There is so much attention to detail that goes into each figurine, even if massproduced, carved, moulded, rudimentarily assembled and trimmed with designs,
Mexico, vintage. 10 ½", terracotta. A pair of clay angels have detailed faces and robes painted in pure white. Acquired from the George Jensen collection, which was selling part of the Alexander Girards collection on exhibit; his remaining objects were donated to the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
or left totally natural as their organic material might dictate. Trinkets to some and treasures to others, figurines can be a powerful statement even if they are petite, especially representations of goddesses, religious symbols, or warriors imbued with special strengths and possessing cultural significance. Great for group display or as stand-alone art objects, figurines have a way of calling your name. I truly appreciate the craftsmanship of each of my pieces. Personal keepsakes, these timeless treasures can easily be passed down from generation to generation, bringing smiles to all who gaze upon them.
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Greece, 1990. 6", clay. Based on an ivory sculpture of Ariadne, known as the snake goddess of Crete, the refined reproduction figure holds two serpents of immortality. The original is in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
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China, 1986. 9", terracotta. Clay warrior sculptures dressed in armor are reproduction figures of soldiers discovered on an archeological expedition in Xian, China.
China, 1986. 5 Âź", terracotta. Purchased in China, the clay figure is a typical example of strong Chinese Xian warrior horses.
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Animals
Whimsical. Realistic. Magical.
“When you see an interesting handmade object, sometimes you just know that it has to go home with you.”
In every culture animals have a place, whether playthings intended to amuse young children or objects holding sacred meaning with promised powers of protection. They are often symbols of good luck, talismans, or fine artistic representations that celebrate the wonder of life. As an avid doll collector first and foremost, my eye also appreciates handmade animal toys from plush teddy bears to wooden carved creatures, soft sculpture hippos to hand-painted folk art fauna. God’s innumerable creatures of the animal kingdom complement our human nature and help us to become more compassionate. Nature brings us inspiration from all over the planet. I’ve been drawn to exotic safari animals, domesticated cats, and the most humble duck. But you can have fun collecting in one species and amass a collection of your own inclination. If Andes mountain goats or comical Costa Rican wild monkeys catch your attention, by all means collect them. Animals meant for play or display add to the aesthetic of your environment, and being an artist I think it’s important to surround yourself with beauty in many forms. Much of my collection was acquired from museum gift shops, world travels, and even resale boutiques and souvenir stores. Discovering each animal has been a joy. Made out of materials including carved wood, papier-mâché, sewn printed cloth, or genuine fur, creative interpretations of the natural world are endless. Special painted features and detailed decorations make each unique, while perfect craftsmanship elevates what may be considered mere handicraft to an art form. Limited edition animals and brand names raise the value as collectibles, but mine are really about wildlife that I have an affinity for, their countries of origin, and how the animals seemingly speak to me. For example, I’m fascinated by jungle animals of the African continent, especially the majestic lion, having visited Kenya several times.
India, modern. 9 ½", wood. The majestic hand-carved black bull has an ornately painted saddle.
I hope you enjoy viewing my interesting collection of earthly beasts, feathered friends, and zoo favorites, my handpicked menagerie that I gladly share to delight fellow animal lovers everywhere.
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USA, vintage. 8", felt over wire. Manufactured by Annalee, the smiling bunny is busy sewing embroidery.
USA, vintage. 9", felt over wire. The poseable Annalee mouse made in Meredith, New Hampshire, is intended for Halloween display.
USA, vintage. 7", felt over wire. An Annalee creation, the comical yellow duck sits with wings flung open for a hug.
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Germany, 1997. 9 ¼", woven plush. Made to celebrate the renowned toy manufacturer’s 100th anniversary, the classic Steiff stuffed bear has glass eyes and jointed arms and legs.
Sweden, vintage. 2 ½", wood. The duck is meant for play or display.
USA, vintage. 3 ½", pelt. Resembling an arctic hedgehog, the bead-eyed creature was hand-crafted in Alaska from real animal fur.
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Collector Tips
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Peruse souvenir shops for national dolls when you’re traveling. E xplore specialty shops and children’s toy shops. V isit museum stores for interesting reproductions that will delight you. S earch eBay and other websites for places to buy, trade, and sell dolls.
Go to local flea markets and country fairs for unique handmade creations.
V isit regional doll shows and add to your collection. Attend antiques auctions to bid on valuable investment-quality dolls. Look for estate or garage sales to discover vintage and nostalgic dolls. P reserve keepsake dolls by storing them in archival tissue paper and away from sunlight.
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Check out hobby shops to find fine dollhouse furniture and doll accessories.
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Seek out local experts if your dolls are in need of repair. Choose what you love, regardless of price or maker. Read books, magazines, and websites about dolls. Give dolls to family and friends for special occasions and as everyday gestures of love. Get your prized collection appraised and be sure to insure it against loss or theft. Attend lectures at national and regional doll events. Create original dolls from clay, cloth, or wood—it’s an art form. Join a doll club to share collecting stories and make new friends. Donate dolls to children’s hospitals and the less fortunate, as they bring good cheer. Decide to hone in on one genre of dolls or be a generalist by collecting dolls of all sorts.
Harlequin clown, page 196
My Victorian Dollhouse USA, 1880. 64" x 14 ½", wood. Acquired in upstate New York, the one-of-a-kind antique dollhouse is constructed of solid oak, designed in authentic Victorian architecture characteristic of the period and likely patterned after some of the brownstone houses of the region. The exterior façade has its original paint—red with green trim, typical of the era; all of the doors and windows open and close. There is a tower with an attic and dormer, topped with a charming metal weathervane. Due to the five-foot-tall dollhouse’s extreme weight, iron handles are bolted to each side for easy lifting and it sits on a turntable for display and play. Interior rooms feature ceilings covered in white linen paper with black ink designs that resemble pressed tin; decorative tin ceilings were popular during Victorian times. Each room is different, with miniature dolls and made-to-scale furniture from the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the dolls are antiques, including rare wax miniatures from England, circa 1900s. A later addition was built in the 1980s: the bottom part of dollhouse under the porch opens to the back and features a kitchen and dining room, and a new hinged acrylic door encloses the back of the house except for the tower. Genuine antique copper cooking pots and a cast iron stove from my childhood toy box appoint the kitchen. Even today, I enjoy festively trimming my dollhouse for seasonal holidays and birthdays.
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Cook's Kitchen
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The Dining Room
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Resources & Links Doll collectors everywhere turn to top experts, clubs, organizations, publications, and museums for education and information about their favorite hobby. I hope that some of my preferred listings will enhance your knowledge and appreciation for doll collecting and the art of dollmaking.
Clubs, Dealers & Associations —Become an Active Member— National Antique Doll Dealers Association www.nadda.org The United Federation of Doll Clubs www.ufdc.org Original Doll Artist Council of America www.odaca.org National Institute of American Doll Artists www.niada.org
Doll Museums —Explore the World of Dolls— Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art www.dollart.com Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute Caring for Dolls & Toys Extensive museum listing and related links. www.si.edu/mci Doll Museums A web guide for collectors. www.atozee.com About.com Doll shop and museum directory. www.collectdolls.about.com 262
Royal girl, page 47
Reference Books
Internet Resources
—Look and Learn—
—Seek More Information—
200 Years of Dolls by Dawn Herlocker
About.com
(ID and price guide)
Doll Collecting www.collectdolls.about.com
The Ultimate Doll Book by Caroline Goodfellow Resource Guide Rare Character Dolls by Maree Tarnowska
www.dollreference.com
Fashion Dolls by Maree Tarnowska
Doll Finder www.dollfinder.com
The Doll as Art by Stuart R. Holbrook TLC Doll Hospital
Doll Magazines
www.doll-hospital.com
—Enjoy Your Hobby— Doll News
Festivals & Shows
www.dollnews.org
—Buy, Sell, and Trade—
Collector’s Weekly
National Doll Festival
www.collectorsweekly.com
831.438.5349 dollfestival@aol.com
Doll Reader www.dollreader.com
Doll Show USA www.dollshowusa.com
Dolls Magazine www.dollsmagazine.com
eBay www.ebay.com
Contemporary Doll Collector www.scottpublications.com Dolls www.dollsmagazine.com Antique Doll Collector www.antiquedollcollector.com Dollhouse Miniatures Magazine www.dhminiatures.com
School girl, page 195
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Photographer
Born and raised on the island of Trinidad, Dominic Agostini followed his passion for the art of photography by earning his bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago. He began his professional career working with commercial photographers, gaining valuable experience in the studio and on location shooting national ad campaigns. Dominic employs artful lighting techniques and has mastered digital technology, yet he has an affinity for medium format and other traditional photography tools and methods. A resident of Satellite Beach, Florida, Dominic is a special assignment photographer for local and national magazines. He loves meeting interesting people with each new opportunity that allows him to further explore his talents. In photographing Ruth Funk’s doll collection, Dominic masterfully captured the overall character and materiality of each doll as well as the fine details of clothing, hand-made qualities, embellishments, and facial expressions that make each one a work of art. You can almost sense the personality of each doll through his fine images that bring Ruth’s collectibles to life. www.dominicphoto.com