On display from now until the end of April, is the third and final set of Valerie Spence’s Historical Costumed Dolls.

These unique dolls are hand-carved out of balsa wood and dressed in meticulously researched historical costume, all handmade by Valerie over several years starting in 1962.

Her choice of subject, originally inspired by portraits, was influenced by the desire to create a particular item of dress or inspired by a piece of fabric which seems just right for a certain style.  As the number of dolls increased, it developed into the need to fill gaps in the historical timeline.

Meet Adelaide, created in 1974, and shows the fashion for bustles in the 1870s.  The dress is based on day dress in the collection at Snowshill Manor as detailed in Janet Arnold’s ‘Patterns of Fashion 2’.  Using the book, Valerie was able to replicate the detailed gathering and trimming on her doll’s dress.  Adelaide’s parasol is made of fine silk stretched over a framework of basket cane.  She wears one kid leather glove while the other is held in her hand.

If you have an interest in historical fashion, fashion in general or you are interested in creativity and sewing, this exhibition is a must-see!