English Cloth Dolls-Norah Wellings
Originally the chief doll designer at Chad Valley, Norah Wellings and her brother, Leo, opened their own doll company, the
Victoria Toy Works, in 1926 in Shropshire England. As with Chad Valley, many of the accounts including hotels and shipping
lines, ordered souvenir dolls usually sailors or bellman with the name of the company on them.
The dolls were made of velvet, velveteen, plush and felt. The company received a patent in 1926 for making a felt doll head
backed with buckram. The inside was coated with plastic wood and plaster to hold the eyes in place. To this a wooden strut
was added to strengthen the head. Her dolls ranged from 6-36 inches in height. The dolls are marked with a cloth tag sewn
to the foot or wrist. Hang tags were sometimes used.
In addition to the souvenir dolls, Norah made ethnic dolls, fantasy dolls (including pixie children) and children as well as novelty
items. During WWII, Norah, named Dollmaker to the British Commonwealth of Nations, made dolls depicting all branches of the
British armed services. Part of the proceeds of one doll, Harry the Hawk, were reserved to support the Royal Air Force
Comforts Fund.
The company continued until the death of Leo in 1960.
Victoria Toy Works, in 1926 in Shropshire England. As with Chad Valley, many of the accounts including hotels and shipping
lines, ordered souvenir dolls usually sailors or bellman with the name of the company on them.
The dolls were made of velvet, velveteen, plush and felt. The company received a patent in 1926 for making a felt doll head
backed with buckram. The inside was coated with plastic wood and plaster to hold the eyes in place. To this a wooden strut
was added to strengthen the head. Her dolls ranged from 6-36 inches in height. The dolls are marked with a cloth tag sewn
to the foot or wrist. Hang tags were sometimes used.
In addition to the souvenir dolls, Norah made ethnic dolls, fantasy dolls (including pixie children) and children as well as novelty
items. During WWII, Norah, named Dollmaker to the British Commonwealth of Nations, made dolls depicting all branches of the
British armed services. Part of the proceeds of one doll, Harry the Hawk, were reserved to support the Royal Air Force
Comforts Fund.
The company continued until the death of Leo in 1960.
