Why Dolls?

Isn't this the neatest picture?  It surfaced on one of my doll groups on Facebook last week and I just had to share it with you.  This is Charlie Chaplin - and his doll.

So many people think that doll collecting is weird.  I've heard us referred to as "strange", "lonely", "deprived as children" etc.  Some say it's downright creepy... and yet there are thousands of us out there... probably millions.

This says it perfectly - taken from curiocabinetspot.com
http://www.curiocabinetspot.com/collections-in-curios-doll-collecting
The history of humanity is full of unique and beautiful works of art. Paintings, sculptures, great works of literature, all of these things show us how we as a species have evolved by showcasing the gradual progression and shifting of styles in these various works. Dolls are one of these art styles that have existed for as long as we have. Dolls have been in existence from the time of the very first humans and are likely to continue to be created for years to come; and for nearly as long as they have existed, people have loved to own, create, and collect these works of art.

The varieties of dolls that exist are many and the people who collect them can are as varied as the collections themselves.

How is it creepy?  They are pretty (mostly) childhood toys - what's so creepy about that?  We are not talking about gross things like stuffed dead insects, we are talking about pretty dolls dressed in pretty clothing of their era.

Charlie Chaplin was obviously enamoured with his doll, as have many celebrities been over the years.

Many people, male and female collect dolls; people from all walks of life.

Here are a few you might recognize.

Actress Demi Moore - has a massive doll collection.  She has over 3000 contemporary art dolls and thousands of Barbies and GI Joes.

Novelist Anne Rice collects dolls...

John Wayne collected Hopi Indian Kachina dolls... his large collection of dolls are now in a museum.

Britney Spears has a large porcelain and antique doll collection.

Annette Funicello collected dolls - and she also had a doll made in her likeness in the 1960's... strangely enough I was researching this very collector on Monday  - the day she passed away.

Well call me creepy - I love dolls.  They are happy and pleasant to look at  - and NO their eyes do not follow me around the house...

It's a hobby - a darn fun one, too... and at some point, I'm hoping it might be a great retirement business - if I can actually part with them - that is!