DOLLS: A GERMAN BISQUE HEAD DOLL, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, with fixed pale blue eyes and dark brown hair, with painted eye brows, pale pink cheeks and an open mouth, wearing a christening bonnet and a cotton and lace christening gown, moulded marks to the back of head, Made in Germany, 46, 50 cm high, together with another German bisque headed doll, with opening weighted brown glass eyes, painted eye brows, pale pink cheeks, and an open mouth wih fine white teeth, with a composition body and articulated limbs, with a cord and lace coat, with a wooden or cocquilla nut whistle to her neck, with another doll with composition or wooden head, with open brown glass eyes, painted pink cheeks and smiling lips, with a composition body and articulated limbs, dressed in white clothes and a lace bonnet(damages) (3)

80cm high

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.