Historical Costumed Dolls Exhibition
An opportunity to see a unique collection of hand carved and historically costumed dolls created by Linlithgow local, Valerie Spence.
The exhibition has been divided into three separate instalments with the second group now on display covering the period 1610 to 1775.
The third and final instalment will be on display from December 2024 until March 2025.
Meet two of Valerie’s dolls:
Museum open
Friday/Saturday 10am to 4pm Last entry 3.30pm
Sunday 1pm to 4pm Last entry 3.30pm
Free entry
Diana
Named for the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana carries a peregrine falcon in her gloved hand. The other hand holds the hood which she has just removed from the bird. Diana’s costume originates from a variety of sources but is intended to show an outfit from about 1560. The green velvet is probably too strong a colour for the vegetable dyes of the period. The bird is carved from balsa wood with wire used as the basis for its legs. The figure was made between January and March 1991.
Nicholas
A gentleman of fashion made between March and May 2016. The costume is based mainly on patterns in ‘The Tudor Tailor’. Nicholas wears a silk doublet with peascod belly and Venetian hose. During the 1570s, when trunk hose was becoming ever shorter with excessive padding on the hips, an alternative in the form of ‘venetians’ (similar to breeches) became popular. These would have been comfortable and warmer. His ruff is made of pleated silk ribbon. He wears a short semi-circular cloak with standing collar and hat covered with pleated silk.