Photos, descriptions, and fascinating history for dedicated doll collectors. In the 1950s, a new material—plastic—revolutionized the doll trade and made dolls affordable for people of all classes. This book focuses specifically on British dolls of that decade, offering not only useful information for collectors but a glimpse into the history and culture that surrounded these cherished toys. Along with photos and descriptions, this unique guide covers: doll manufacturers must-buy dolls what to spot when buying dolls how to avoid buying fakes a where-to-buy directory doll hospitals specialist museums

This is the first book to be published on the popular area of British dolls of the 1950s which explores how a new material - plastic - revolutionized the doll trade and made dolls affordable for people of all classes - mass explosion of toy dolls which are now very collectable, partly because of the nostalgia element as the collectors would have grown up with or desiring them. The book focuses on the doll manufacturers, including must-buy dolls, what to spot when buying dolls, how to avoid buying fakes and includes a directory of where to buy dolls. It also lists doll hospitals and specialist museums. The second book British Dolls of the 1960s will be published within six months of this volume, also written by Susan Brewer. AUTHOR: Susan is a renowned doll specialist and lives in Harlow, Essex Publications include My Weekly, Collect It!, Collectables, Collectables Magazine, Teddy Bear Scene, Teddy Bear Times, Antiques and Collectibles, Collector's Gazette. She contributes extensively to the World Collectors Net (www.worldcollectorsnet.com), as well as several other web sites. She also founded and edits a quarterly subscription-based magazine, Doll Showcase. SELLING POINTS: Discusses the main manufacturers of dolls Focuses on the most collectable dolls from the ear Discusses the influence on doll manufacturers e.g. the birth of the teenagers, multi-cultural impact etc Advice on what to buy and what to avoid Directory of specialist dealers, doll hospitals and museums 75 colour photos

Teenage dolls with fashionable clothes, boyfriends, dream homes and exciting accessories were introduced in the late 1950s as toy manufacturers rushed to match the aspirations of the now teenaged 'baby-boom' generation. From the earliest 'Roddy' dolls of

Part of the popular Famous series, Famous Dolls celebrates dolls in film, TV, cartoons, books, comics and comic strips, as well as toys such as Hamble in Playschool. It also explores the world of celebrity dolls including stars such as Shirley Temple and Mae West, pop star dolls including Michael Jackson and Cher, and dolls representing royalty. Written by leading doll expert, Susan Brewer, the author of British Dolls in the 1950s and British Dolls in the 1960s, the book starts with a series of essays setting dolls in context and exploring their role in popular culture. The main part of the book is an impressive A-Z of famous dolls, with symbols to show in which field they became famous (e.g. cartoons, toys or comic strips). The stories behind each of the dolls are told, including the tragic tale of Raggedy Ann and how a little girl inspired one of the most iconic character dolls of all time. A must-buy book for everyone who has ever own or collected dolls or is interested in popular culture.Did you know? The author of Raggedy Ann, Johnny Gruelle, was a vehement anti-vaccination campaigner after his young daughter died when she was vaccinated at school without his consent Angela Rippon created the Victoria Plum doll series based on a plum tree in her garden Holly Hobbie is an author and illustrator who named the famous patchwork-wearing little girl after her. It became a popular doll in the 1970s

This is the first book to be published on the popular area of British dolls of the 1960s which explores what's worth collecting and why and focuses on outside events such as the growth of the pop scene and how dolls were aimed at the newly created 'teenagers', not just children. These toy and pop dolls are now very collectable, partly because of the nostalgia element as many of the collectors would have grown up with them or desiring them and appeals to other types of collectors e.g. social historians, fashion and pop collectors. The book focuses on the doll manufacturers, including must-buy dolls, what to spot when buying dolls, how to avoid buying fakes, safe cleaning and includes a directory of doll hospitals and specialist museums. The first book, British Dolls of the 1950s was also written by Susan Brewer.

Hard plastic dolls were made by major British doll companies such as Palitoy, Pedigree, Roddy, and Rosebud for a short period after the Second World War. The new technology led also to new doll types, which were eagerly snapped up by parents and children deprived in the war. Frances Baird, an acknowledged expert in her field, provides an excellent history of this popular doll.

TV Programs like Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic have increased the publics interest in attending auctions. This invaluable guide shows all the tricks of the trade from looking for costly scratches hidden under labels when buying to negotiating for a better rate when selling, as well as how to arrange free collection and getting the best from your local auction house. Whether you want to learn how to bid so youre seen by the auctioneer or want to ensure your commission bid stands a better chance, antiques expert, Fiona Shoops advice could make you thousands. Contains a glossary to decipher common auction terms, as well as a detailed county by county auction directory with over 600 auctions listed.