THEA by artist Mavis Leahy

MIxed media: Antique frozen Charlotte doll, circa late 1800 Hand embroidered fabric with metallic thread, vintage jewelry piece, antique Victorian button, vintage designer clothing label. In a vintage wood frame., 5 1/2” x 6 1/2”.

The Fashionista’s
Antique frozen Charlotte dolls + Vintage clothing labels = The Fashionista’s.

About the art:  For those of you who don’t know the story behind these special dolls- they are in essence “Orphans of war”. Charlotte’s were inexpensive dolls manufactured from the Civil War era up until the early 1900’s- meant to be played with and enjoyed. I acquired my collection of Charlotte’s about 20 years ago from a retired gentleman living in a small town in Germany. He would go to the bombed out factory sites and dig- unearthing these long buried girls. I am not a doll person, but their story touched me deeply- a toy that was not able to be loved and cherished, instead becoming a victim of war.
I honor these resilient beauties with the vintage Couture clothing labels of the past, giving them the elegance and grace they deserve, if long overdue.

Shown in last image with its sister pieces (sold separately).