R John Wright
The following information is presented courtesy John and Susan Wright. Please visit their website, www.rjohnwright.com, for
complete pictures of the wonderful pieces they have produced, and are producing, as well as a list of their retailers.
THE EARLY FOUNDATION
Naturally artistic, R. John Wright always felt his path would lead to a creative career. Born in Michigan, John attended Wayne State
University in a liberal arts program with an emphasis on art and literature. Following college, John traveled to New England and
settled in New Hampshire. While browsing in a bookstore, John came across a deluxe large-format art book The Doll authored by
Carl Fox. Filled with photographs of antique dolls, one photo in particular caught his attention: a Steiff schoolroom with early Steiff
children dolls seated at desks. John was very inspired by this photograph, and having recently made the acquaintance of porcelain
dollmaker, Gail Wilson, he began to contemplate the possibility of a career in dollmaking. Two years later he met his future wife and
creative partner, Susan - a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Little did she
suspect that her meeting with John would soon redirect her talents and destiny to doll making. The couple settled in Brattleboro,
Vermont in 1974.
THE COMPANY BEGINS
In 1976, when he was abruptly laid off from his job as a clerk in the town hardware store,
John decided to try his hand at dollmaking. That afternoon he began to sew a crude
figure - his first doll - out of the only fabric at hand, a piece of pale yellow flannel.
John had never sewn anything before, but this first effort seemed to hold much potential. Before the first doll was completed, John
was already thinking of the improvements he would make on the second one. Within a few weeks of having lost his job, John made
a group of six similarly constructed men dolls out of flesh-colored felt.
These dolls featured rudimentary rustic-style clothing and sheep's wool hair and
beards. He took these first dolls to Serkin's crafts gallery downtown where they
were purchased on-the-spot for the price of $14 apiece. (The earliest dolls
retailed for $28 each.) During the next six months, John made and sold over a
hundred of these primitive felt dolls to area craft stores. Susan began to help John
with the production and together they embarked on an intense period of research
and development to improve the dolls. Within six months the dolls advanced
beyond the primitive stage and featured joints and more sophisticated clothing
and accessories.
PRODUCTION GROWS
Working now as a creative team, the couple's doll work soon overtook their small ground-floor apartment turned into a makeshift doll
factory. Exhibition in juried craft shows throughout New England provided the expanding wholesale and retail orders for the dolls.
They soon began hiring assistants to come and help with the ever-increasing work load. One year after making his first doll, John
sculpted the faces which would become the first molded felt dolls from R. John Wright. The Character Dolls, with their
ethnically-inspired detailed costumes and accessories, brought a new level of professionalism to the work.
Samples of the molded felt dolls McTavish and Jenny
CHILD DOLLS
The delightful Little Children Series premiered in 1980 around the time of the birth of the Wright's first child, Lillian. The children dolls
introduced a completely new look from R. John Wright and the demand from collectors increased worldwide. The business relocated
across the border to Cambridge, New York in the early 1980's. There, the doll operation was moved out of the Wright household and
into a professional building, a larger work force was hired and trained, and specialized machinery was developed to meet increased
production demands.
Examples of the Series I Children dolls Jesse, Lillian and Pete
WINNIE-THE-POOH
1985 was an important milestone year for R. John Wright Dolls, Inc.
The company exhibited for the first time at International Toy Fair
in New York City. At this show, Christopher Robin & Winnie-the-Pooh
was shown under a newly-acquired license with the Walt Disney Company.
Over the next decade many of the animal characters from the
Hundred Acre Wood and several different editions of Pooh were also
produced under license.
Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. Click the picture for close ups of my doll
DISNEY CLASSICS
The following years brought a succession of many captivating child dolls as well as licensed characters from classic Disney films
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. R. John Wright Dolls has also brought Walt Disney's Mickey and Minnie Mouse
and Cinderella to life in definitive limited editions.
'
BEATRIX POTTER SERIES
In 1998, R. John Wright introduced Peter Rabbit, the first in the Beatrix Potter Collection based on the animal characters in the
famous Beatrix Potter books. Among the current offerings is this ongoing series are Hunca Munca and Tom Thumb from the Tale of
Two Bad Mice.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Continuing a tradition of dolls and animal characters from classic children's literature, the company also produced dolls based on
Antoine de Saint Exupery's beloved Little Prince; Michael Bond's Paddington Bear, a delightful rendition of Curious George, France's
own Becassine, and Rose O'Neil's darling Kewpies. In 2003 the company began an important all-American series based on the
Raggedy Ann characters created by Johnny Gruelle.
BACK TO VERMONT
In 2004 R. John Wright Dolls returned to Vermont moving their innovative and enterprising company to an idylic 17-acre setting on
the outskirts of historic Bennington. The Wright's continue to oversee all phases, always stressing the highest quality materials,
craftsmanship and integrity of design which for over thirty years have formed the cornerstone of all R. JOHN WRIGHT creations.
Among the current productions is the Alice in Wonderland Series based on Lewis Carroll's immortal characters from the 'Alice' books.
THE STEIFF KINDER
In 2007, the story came full-circle with the introduction of a delightful new series of dollls based on the antique Steiff children dolls
which inspired John and Susan in the very beginning: The Steiff Kinder. 2008-2009 In 2008, R. John Wright continued the tradition
of dolls from classic Disney films with the introduction of Cinderella. Also produced were dolls from children's literature: the Palmer
Cox Brownies, and Edith, the Lonely Doll. For 2009, the company will launch two exciting new licensed series: Cicely Mary Barker's
Flower Fairies and The Wizard of Oz collection based on the classic film from MGM. 2009 also marks the year of the first R. John
Wright Convention.
THE ANIMALS
The animals of R John Wright exude the same charm and playful character as any of the dolls. John has developed a series of mice,
birds, bunnies and, of course, bears.
Visit the Chronology area of the Web site for a complete listing with photos and edition details of virtually every R. John Wright item
from 1976 to the present.
AWARDS
R. John Wright dolls and animals have been honored with numerous awards, among them: the Doll of the Year (DOTY) award; the
Golden Teddy award; the Dolls magazine Award of Excellence; and Germany's top bear prize Der Goldene George. In 1994, R. John
Wright was the recipient of the Jumeau Trophy - considered by many collectors and artists as one of the most prestigious symbols of
recognition for achievement in the doll field. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2402 West Road Bennington, Vermont 05201 802-447-7072
Fax: 802-447-7434
E-mail: rjwdolls@aol.com
Copyright © 2007 by R. JOHN WRIGHT DOLLS, INC. All rights reserved. Reprint permission must be granted in writing.
complete pictures of the wonderful pieces they have produced, and are producing, as well as a list of their retailers.
THE EARLY FOUNDATION
Naturally artistic, R. John Wright always felt his path would lead to a creative career. Born in Michigan, John attended Wayne State
University in a liberal arts program with an emphasis on art and literature. Following college, John traveled to New England and
settled in New Hampshire. While browsing in a bookstore, John came across a deluxe large-format art book The Doll authored by
Carl Fox. Filled with photographs of antique dolls, one photo in particular caught his attention: a Steiff schoolroom with early Steiff
children dolls seated at desks. John was very inspired by this photograph, and having recently made the acquaintance of porcelain
dollmaker, Gail Wilson, he began to contemplate the possibility of a career in dollmaking. Two years later he met his future wife and
creative partner, Susan - a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Little did she
suspect that her meeting with John would soon redirect her talents and destiny to doll making. The couple settled in Brattleboro,
Vermont in 1974.
THE COMPANY BEGINS
In 1976, when he was abruptly laid off from his job as a clerk in the town hardware store,
John decided to try his hand at dollmaking. That afternoon he began to sew a crude
figure - his first doll - out of the only fabric at hand, a piece of pale yellow flannel.
John had never sewn anything before, but this first effort seemed to hold much potential. Before the first doll was completed, John
was already thinking of the improvements he would make on the second one. Within a few weeks of having lost his job, John made
a group of six similarly constructed men dolls out of flesh-colored felt.
These dolls featured rudimentary rustic-style clothing and sheep's wool hair and
beards. He took these first dolls to Serkin's crafts gallery downtown where they
were purchased on-the-spot for the price of $14 apiece. (The earliest dolls
retailed for $28 each.) During the next six months, John made and sold over a
hundred of these primitive felt dolls to area craft stores. Susan began to help John
with the production and together they embarked on an intense period of research
and development to improve the dolls. Within six months the dolls advanced
beyond the primitive stage and featured joints and more sophisticated clothing
and accessories.
PRODUCTION GROWS
Working now as a creative team, the couple's doll work soon overtook their small ground-floor apartment turned into a makeshift doll
factory. Exhibition in juried craft shows throughout New England provided the expanding wholesale and retail orders for the dolls.
They soon began hiring assistants to come and help with the ever-increasing work load. One year after making his first doll, John
sculpted the faces which would become the first molded felt dolls from R. John Wright. The Character Dolls, with their
ethnically-inspired detailed costumes and accessories, brought a new level of professionalism to the work.
Samples of the molded felt dolls McTavish and Jenny
CHILD DOLLS
The delightful Little Children Series premiered in 1980 around the time of the birth of the Wright's first child, Lillian. The children dolls
introduced a completely new look from R. John Wright and the demand from collectors increased worldwide. The business relocated
across the border to Cambridge, New York in the early 1980's. There, the doll operation was moved out of the Wright household and
into a professional building, a larger work force was hired and trained, and specialized machinery was developed to meet increased
production demands.
Examples of the Series I Children dolls Jesse, Lillian and Pete
WINNIE-THE-POOH
1985 was an important milestone year for R. John Wright Dolls, Inc.
The company exhibited for the first time at International Toy Fair
in New York City. At this show, Christopher Robin & Winnie-the-Pooh
was shown under a newly-acquired license with the Walt Disney Company.
Over the next decade many of the animal characters from the
Hundred Acre Wood and several different editions of Pooh were also
produced under license.
Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. Click the picture for close ups of my doll
DISNEY CLASSICS
The following years brought a succession of many captivating child dolls as well as licensed characters from classic Disney films
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. R. John Wright Dolls has also brought Walt Disney's Mickey and Minnie Mouse
and Cinderella to life in definitive limited editions.
'
BEATRIX POTTER SERIES
In 1998, R. John Wright introduced Peter Rabbit, the first in the Beatrix Potter Collection based on the animal characters in the
famous Beatrix Potter books. Among the current offerings is this ongoing series are Hunca Munca and Tom Thumb from the Tale of
Two Bad Mice.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Continuing a tradition of dolls and animal characters from classic children's literature, the company also produced dolls based on
Antoine de Saint Exupery's beloved Little Prince; Michael Bond's Paddington Bear, a delightful rendition of Curious George, France's
own Becassine, and Rose O'Neil's darling Kewpies. In 2003 the company began an important all-American series based on the
Raggedy Ann characters created by Johnny Gruelle.
BACK TO VERMONT
In 2004 R. John Wright Dolls returned to Vermont moving their innovative and enterprising company to an idylic 17-acre setting on
the outskirts of historic Bennington. The Wright's continue to oversee all phases, always stressing the highest quality materials,
craftsmanship and integrity of design which for over thirty years have formed the cornerstone of all R. JOHN WRIGHT creations.
Among the current productions is the Alice in Wonderland Series based on Lewis Carroll's immortal characters from the 'Alice' books.
THE STEIFF KINDER
In 2007, the story came full-circle with the introduction of a delightful new series of dollls based on the antique Steiff children dolls
which inspired John and Susan in the very beginning: The Steiff Kinder. 2008-2009 In 2008, R. John Wright continued the tradition
of dolls from classic Disney films with the introduction of Cinderella. Also produced were dolls from children's literature: the Palmer
Cox Brownies, and Edith, the Lonely Doll. For 2009, the company will launch two exciting new licensed series: Cicely Mary Barker's
Flower Fairies and The Wizard of Oz collection based on the classic film from MGM. 2009 also marks the year of the first R. John
Wright Convention.
THE ANIMALS
The animals of R John Wright exude the same charm and playful character as any of the dolls. John has developed a series of mice,
birds, bunnies and, of course, bears.
Visit the Chronology area of the Web site for a complete listing with photos and edition details of virtually every R. John Wright item
from 1976 to the present.
AWARDS
R. John Wright dolls and animals have been honored with numerous awards, among them: the Doll of the Year (DOTY) award; the
Golden Teddy award; the Dolls magazine Award of Excellence; and Germany's top bear prize Der Goldene George. In 1994, R. John
Wright was the recipient of the Jumeau Trophy - considered by many collectors and artists as one of the most prestigious symbols of
recognition for achievement in the doll field. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2402 West Road Bennington, Vermont 05201 802-447-7072
Fax: 802-447-7434
E-mail: rjwdolls@aol.com
Copyright © 2007 by R. JOHN WRIGHT DOLLS, INC. All rights reserved. Reprint permission must be granted in writing.
On the left are the "floppy
dolls" while on the right is an
example of the sewn face dolls
dolls" while on the right is an
example of the sewn face dolls
To the right is the full set displayed
in the "Hundred Acre Wood"
in the "Hundred Acre Wood"
? Insert Snow white full set pic?
Peter Rabbit and the Garden
Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrow
? Insert pic of Raggedy Ann
adn Andy???
adn Andy???
Christmas Dreams Tad with the first Bear Nibbles
Bao Bao
Bao Bao
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright
Copyright R John Wright