Norah Wellings style doll - Australian Light Horseman

c. 1940
Overview

World War Two era doll in the style of British dollmaker, Norah Wellings.
The doll depicts an Australian Light Horseman wearing his slouch hat turned up at the side with a leather chin strap; a fawn coloured tunic with epaulettes, pockets and two shiny, gold metal buttons; khaki riding breeches and leather leggings and boots. He is also wearing a leather Sam Browne belt around his waist and diagonally across his body.
The hat and tunic are made from fine textured felt, while the trousers are a thick cotton. His face and hands are made from a fine buff coloured fabric on which the facial features (eyebrows, eyelashes, blue eyes, pink nostrils and red lips) have been painted. The teeth are distinguished by black lines on a white background between the lips.Separate pieces of fabric have been used to make ears.
The pockets, epaulettes, collar and hat appear to have been glued on and are in some cases lifting. There are a few small moth holes and markings.

Historical information

Norah Wellings was a British dollmaker who was initially employed by the Chad Valley company before branching out on her own. Her dolls are famous for their moulded, painted faces and big smiles, often perceived as a little creepy.
There are several dolls made by Norah Wellings in the collection. However, this one has been made by someone imitating her style and the maker and country of origin is unknown. It was purchased from the United States.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00379
Width
155 mm
Height or length
300 mm
Depth
65 mm
Year
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Organisation Details
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Australian Light Horseman doll - front view
Australian Light Horseman doll - front view
Australian Light Horseman doll - side view
Australian Light Horseman doll - side view
Australian Light Horseman doll - other side view
Australian Light Horseman doll - other side view
Close-up of Australian Light Horseman doll
Close-up of Australian Light Horseman doll
Reverse of Australian Light Horseman doll
Reverse of Australian Light Horseman doll

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