English Cloth Dolls-Farnell
While the exact date the company began is in question (some reports suggest prior to 1867 while others place it in 1871), Miss
Farnell began a company in Acton, London, England to make plush and cloth animals. Dolls appear by 1915 with the
introduction of Ole Bill. Artist Chloe Preston created dolls throughout the 1920s including Little Britain, Little Miss Cracker, Pal
Peter, and Butt and Biff. James Riddell storybook characters appeared in 1925. 1937 was the year of the British Coronation of
King George VI. As with many other doll companies, Farnell cashed in on the occasion by creating dolls of the participants.
The company was also known for its sailor dolls, made as souvenirs aboard ships.
The dolls were mask faced dolls made of felt or velvet and painted. The bodies were felt, cotton stockinette, velvet or plush.
Fingers and toes were stitched. Mohair was used for the hair. Clothing was often incorporated into the body but just as often
was removable. Some dolls, such as the one above, have sewn on labels stating Farnell's/Alpha Toys/Made in England while
others had acorn shaped hang tags.
While there is question as to the exact date the company began, they did a booming business in both England and the U.S.
throughout the early 1900s. Louis Wolf was the distributor in the United States. In 1925, the Alpha trademark was given to
Farnell in the United States.
Edwards, Linda. Cloth Dolls Ancient to Modern. Atglen:Pa ShifferPublishing. 1997.
Farnell began a company in Acton, London, England to make plush and cloth animals. Dolls appear by 1915 with the
introduction of Ole Bill. Artist Chloe Preston created dolls throughout the 1920s including Little Britain, Little Miss Cracker, Pal
Peter, and Butt and Biff. James Riddell storybook characters appeared in 1925. 1937 was the year of the British Coronation of
King George VI. As with many other doll companies, Farnell cashed in on the occasion by creating dolls of the participants.
The company was also known for its sailor dolls, made as souvenirs aboard ships.
The dolls were mask faced dolls made of felt or velvet and painted. The bodies were felt, cotton stockinette, velvet or plush.
Fingers and toes were stitched. Mohair was used for the hair. Clothing was often incorporated into the body but just as often
was removable. Some dolls, such as the one above, have sewn on labels stating Farnell's/Alpha Toys/Made in England while
others had acorn shaped hang tags.
While there is question as to the exact date the company began, they did a booming business in both England and the U.S.
throughout the early 1900s. Louis Wolf was the distributor in the United States. In 1925, the Alpha trademark was given to
Farnell in the United States.
Edwards, Linda. Cloth Dolls Ancient to Modern. Atglen:Pa ShifferPublishing. 1997.
