"There seems to be within all of us an innate yearning to be lifted momentarily out of our own lives into the realm of charm and make believe."
--- Dorothy Draper
Most
dollectors would readily agree with the fabulous Miss Draper, doyenne of American decorating and iconic tastemaker, for it is in very often in our collections that we find the much-needed respite from the travails and humdrum of our personal and professional lives. And nothing adds more to the enjoyment of a fashion doll display than a well-appointed room, a realistically detailed environment, in which, perfectly posed and dressed-to-the-nines, dolls live out the many fantasies and dramas concocted for them by their dotting keepers.
Darren Cole, Ann Morrison Maillard and Ron Shivvers are three freelance master artists who currently produce the very best in handmade furniture for various sizes of fashion dolls. If you, like we at Dolldom, believe that the future of fashion dolls is handmade, you will also agree that investing in the acquisition of their finely crafted pieces is a sure-fire way to add layers of meaning and substance to a diorama. Be it for the sole shelf in the studio apartment or for the spacious cabinets of the doll room, these miniaturized furniture masterpieces will engage not only those who appreciate doll art but also anyone interested in interior design and excellence in craftsmanship.
Darren Cole for Retros
Darren Cole is a collector of furniture from the 40s and 50s (Haywood Wakefield being a favorite) with which to decorate the 1943 Cape Cod style house that he shares with his lovely and equally talented wife Liz, designer of the famed Retros line of handmade doll clothing A while back, Liz enlisted Darren to create mid-century doll furniture to go with her hand-sewn doll fashion creations. But once friends and colleagues saw Liz’s dioramas, it was impossible to keep it in the family. Darren’s knowledge of mid-century modern style is evident in his exuberantly happy creations in both one-sixth and one-fourth scales.
My Doll’s a Collector
This credenza display cabinet is made of
.75-inch pine with light maple wood veneer. The interior is painted
white with a clear Plexiglass shelf that holds a doll’s treasure trove.
Two clear Plexiglass sliding and a back crinkle-textured clear panel
allow as much light as possible into the cabinet. A small light may be
placed behind it for added effect.
What a Swell Party
Gene Marshall welcomes all for cocktails. Her
Italian style bar boasts Plexiglass shelves and a black lacquered wood
top. Mr. Cole interpreted a Mid Century Modern Italian design that he
found in a book to satisfy two important functions: drinks and display.
Ann Morrison Millard for Morrison Furniture Studio
Thrilled to the core as a child by her sister’s Barbie’s Dream Kitchen, Annie Morrison Millard’s infatuation with the miniaturized world of the iconic doll, led her to create Morrison’s Furniture Studio. Her amazingly detailed furniture pieces have garnered her an enthusiastic fan base, this writer included. One of the best compliments that Miss Morrison has ever received was from a gentleman who wrote to her for the measurements of a sofa and coffee table she was featuring on e-Bay; he wanted to be sure it would fit up the stairs to his apartment.
Cocktails on a Roll
Miss Morrison does much of her woodworking with a
band saw, scroll saw, and belt sander. The drill press is her secret
weapon. She loves to use good wood, such as cherry, maple or oak.
However, the scale of the grain needs to be right, as well, as seen in
this rolling cocktail cart.
Luxury Suite
Annie Morrison believes that although Barbie was given a
couture wardrobe, a handsome boyfriend, and excellent accessories, she
needed a well tailored home. This set exemplifies Miss Morrison’s
philosophy that a doll’s display should be as fabulous as the fashion
and accessories she wears. Mid-century modern has inspired Miss Morrison since long before it was
called by a name. Danish Modern, Eames, Nelson, Heywood Wakefield,
Lane—were all names that meant something to the artist because they
indicated solid, clean and, in her opinion, timeless style.
Ron Shivvers
Ron Shivvers’ love of the woodcrafter’s art is evidenced in everything that he creates regardless of the scale. In fact, Ron’s mastery of his craft for human-sized furniture is exactly translated into one-sixth scale. Ron’s aim is to allow the natural beauty of the wood to take center stage and never stains or dyes any of his designs. Mr. Shivves crafts his furniture with the hope that it will become the treasure of tomorrow and an inheritance for generations.
Order in The House!
Everything has a place in Ron Shivver’s realistic
tables with functional drawers created in miniature from one of his signature
designs for humans. The inside-outside curve and taper of the leg is not only
beautiful and unique but adds strength, stability and overall balance to
these beautiful pieces of furniture finished with permits the wood
grain to continue over the edge of the table. 1:12 dollhouse keys
created by Cliff Feltrope.
Home Sweet Home
Lilli Lalka and Allan show off their new
entertainment center furniture set by Ron Shivvers. Ron finely sands and
hand-rubs his creations with Tung oil to a smooth satin finish that is
resistant to stains from moisture. In cozy forest green suede, the set’s
pillows provide warmth for many a chilly evening. Hand-knit throw and
bolster pillows created by
Christine Ward for Dollyknickers.
For more on these featured artists, check out the November issue of
Haute Doll magazine.
