Stepping Out

Part of the amazing doll exhibit at Edmonds Museum

An exquisite collection of vintage paper dolls is now on exhibit at the Edmonds Museum to celebrate one hundred years of the amazing paper figures.

New, state of the art cases frame a plethora of items dating from 1856 through the 1950s with a glance at artists currently creating paper dolls for avid adult collectors.

What many collectors consider to be the origin of the paper doll as we know it, the pantin was created for adults in the upper echelon of French society in the late 1700s.

Through two centuries the paper doll evolved to the status of a child’s toy. In the last few decades these ‘toys’ have become less interesting to children and more the object of adults’ attention thus coming full circle from the beginning in 18th century France.

This exhibit displays toys, which have occupied the minds and skills of children and given pleasure to adults through the years.

Another example of paper doll history

The exhibit is also an opportunity to celebrate the advance of technology in printing since the mid-1800s. At that time color on paper was commonly applied by hand.  Lithography, and the effect of developing die cut and embossing techniques are reflected in the paper toys as well as advancements in printing and assembly through the years.

The Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. It is located in downtown Edmonds, 118 5^th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA. Phone: 425-774-0900.