DOLLS: A MAX HANDWERCK BEBE ELITE BISQUE HEAD DOLL, with weighted opening brown glass eyes and brown hair, with painted eye brows and pale pink cheeks, the open mould with fine white teeth, the composition body with articulated limbs, wearing a white cotton dress and a yellow crochet jacket with mother of pearl buttons, and white kid leather boots, moulded marks to the back of head for Max Handwerck, Bebe Elite, 286, 8 1/2, 62cm high, together with an Armand Marseille 390 bisque head doll, with blond hair and weighted opening pale blue glass eyes, with painted brows and pink blushing cheeks, with open mouth and fine white teeth, with a composition body with articulated limbs, in some later clothing, moulded marks to back of head for Made in Germany, 390. A7M, 60cm high (damages} (2)

PROVENANCE: PROPERTY OF A LOCAL CHISWICK RESIDENT, PEGGY COOPER (1931 - 2021).

Yorkshire born Peggy attained her Diploma in Design at the City of Leeds College of Art in 1952 before taking up a position as an art and needlework teacher at a school in Uttoxeter, Derbyshire. During this time Peggy's interest in developing the use of crafts for education began, with a particular focus on experimenting with repurposed and requisitioned materials for model making and other artistic projects. She was known for her kind and gentle nature with children, cleverly incorporating her artistic talents to help them understand educational topics.

She went on to marry Alan Cooper, lead member of the famous Jazz band Temperance Seven, whereupon they moved to London in the early 1960’s. Whilst in London, Peggy developed an interest in antiques and opened a stall in Portabello Road, primarily dealing in dolls and toys. She continued her art and creative interests from her home in Chiswick, which became known locally as 'The Museum' for its authentic Victorian interior and meticulously detailed displays and ornamentation.

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