The Collector's Guide to British Dolls Since 1920

Book excerpt: Established over many years as the definitive book on the subject, Colette Mansell's monumental work is now available in paperback for the first time. Tracing the history of doll-making in Britain from 1920 to the present day, this book gives detailed information on the dolls produced by large factories and well-known companies, as well as those made by small concerns, cottage industries and individual doll-makers. The innovative and realistic fabric dolls made by Chad Valley, Farnell, Dean's Rag Book Company, Norah Wellings and others during the 1920s and 1930s are great favourites with collectors, and extensive research has been carried out by the author. Sections on doll's-house dolls, costume dolls, unidentified and miscellaneous dolls, and the valuation of dolls are included, along with a fascinating chapter devoted to the now highly collectable dolls of the Royal Family. This book is intended not only for those beginning a collection but also for the experienced and discerning collector.