Featured Dolls From Cornwall

I was unpacking boxes that had been stored in my basement for decades. Had to make room for my 82 year old Father-inlaw moving in. Glad to have him! Anyway, I came across these five dolls I bought when I was stationed in the uK in Newquay (Cornwall) in the 1980s. Not sure they are considered antiques. I vaguely remember being told when I bought them they each represented jobs women did in Cornwall. Anyone know anything about them? Several of the baskets and assorted hand held things were in the box so not sure I have the right basket etc with the right doll. Thanks

--Dan

 

Hi Jeepdad!

I wish I could you something about them, but I cannot.

They look to be hand made. Nicely done.

I'll tag @Christmasjoy, but she's been absent of late.

Perhaps one of our English members can be of some help.

 

Thank you. I was told when i bought them they were hand made. I think the faces and hands are porcelain not plastic. Again, thank you.

 

Googling, Shallowpool dolls come up.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/shallowpool-dolls-bal-maiden-dolly-477835869

 

Sorry the image did not post. But you can see them by clicking the link above.

 

The faces look more to be composition than porcelain.

 

You may be right.

 

I found a blog post about the makers of the Shallowpool dolls:
https://www.peggy-nisbet-dolls.co.uk/know-your-nisbet/similar-dolls/shallowpool/

Not Peggy Nisbet, but similar, apparently. It gives the names of three women who made them.

It says the dolls' faces and hands were made of Plaster of Paris.

It also refers to a book that was published. You might want to see if you can find a copy of the book, if you are interested.

 

Very nice. Thank you! I will look for the book.

 

Hi- these are Shallowpool Dolls - refer to book: Cornish Shallowpool Dolls by Susan Brewer.
The dolls vary - but yours are most likely Cream Seller, Dolly Pentreath of Mousehole, (with red shawl and basket, if it contains fish!) Dolly was the last known speaker of old cornish), Bal Maiden with cloth over her arm (missing her long handled tool or shovel and knitting in her pocket), In background probably Apple Seller. Each one individually handmade with many variations.Peggy Nisbet was not involved with Shallowpool.

 

Proper job!

 

Didn't see this earlier and late to the party as ever but yes, Shallowpool (and Nisbet is a totally different thing. )

 

It amuses me that one is holding a piece of Cornish Ware. Which was made hundreds of miles away!