This baby paper doll set from the late 1940s is unusual for its large scale as most paper doll sets were much smaller and easier to be manipulated by small hands.

Paper dolls were an inexpensive alternative to three-dimensional dolls. They were sometimes used for advertisement with messages printed on the back. Magazines would include a doll in one issue in order to encourage further purchases in subsequent issues. The most popular period for paper dolls was from the 1930s to the 1950s, probably encouraged by the Great Depression and toy shortages during the Second World War.

This paper doll set was used by the donor as a child in the late 1940s. It is in remarkable condition for a child's paper toy which at the time of acquisition (2012) is over 70 years old. It illustrates and demonstrates the way such toys were valued and cared for long after their original use. It also illustrates the way, in their play time, little girls of the 1940s practised to be mothers.

The set is also a charming illustration of baby wear and equipment from the 1940s.

Margaret Simpson
Curator, Transport & Toys
May 2012

According to the web site of OPDAG (The Original Paper Doll Artists Guild) the first manufactured paper doll to be produced was Little Fanny in London in 1810 by S. & J. Fuller, while the first American paper doll was The History and Adventures of Little Henry published by Belcher of Boston in 1812. Throughout the 19th century a wide range of personalities, famous people, entertainers, and members of the British Royal family appeared as cut-out paper dolls. In America popular characters included Dottie Dimple, Lottie Love and Jenney June made by McLouglin Brothers. During the second half of the 19th century European manufacturers produced beautiful lithographed colour paper dolls providing a contemporary view of French costume design for the children of wealthy families. By the 20th century a number of large companies manufactured paper dolls of film stars, politicians, Disney characters, Barbie and comic book characters.

It is not known who made this paper doll set.

This paper doll set was used by Kate Belfield when she was a child living at Allora, Queensland, in the late 1940s.

Paper doll, baby and accessories, paper, maker unknown, late 1940s, used by Kate Belfield, Allora, Queensland, Australia, 1948-1950

This paper doll collection comprises two-dimensional representations of a baby printed on cardboard with accessories including a wooden baby's chair, bassinette and tin-printed bath. The baby has a cherub-like face with blonde curly hair and large blue eyes. There are twelve separate outfits made of paper with attaching tabs. The clothes include a range of short sleeved dresses, a sun suit, matinee jackets, mittens, pyjamas, capes, and bonnets. There are a number of cardboard accessories including a tin of talcum powder, beaded toy, cupie doll, bottle, cup, hot water bottle and toy cat.

: 1946 - 1949

2012/84/2

1946 - 1949