Monday, July 2, 2012

The Art of Play: Princess Elizabeth's Doll's Fan, 1938

Doll's Fan
Duvelleroy, Paris, 1938
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II






In 1938, on the occasion of the State Visit to France by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), the children of France presented two dolls and an elaborate wardrobe and accessory suite (including a motor car) to Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret Rose. This miniature fan made by Duvelleroy in Paris was part of the collection.

The most famous and celebrated couturiers and craftsmen in Paris at the time collaborated to create the two dolls’ trousseaux. The gift also serves as testament to the ingenuity and style of the French fashion world. This was one of four fans which were made for the dolls. The set also included to folding ostrich fans. All four original fan boxes survive in the Royal Collection.


The dolls and all of their little things were displayed at St. James Palace. The proceeds from the exhibition were donated to The Princess Elizabeth of York Hospital for Children and a French charity. The dolls and their trousseaux, today, remain on public view beside Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, at the entrance to the State Apartments in Windsor Castle.

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