The program for the June meeting was by Elaine Jackson and entitled "Realistic Doll Joints: From Dancing Dans to BJDs." Members were asked to bring example of multi-jointed dolls and a wide variety of dolls, antique, vintage, and contemporary, were on display.
For many modern collectors, the term ball-jointed doll calls to mind the resin BJDs from Japan Korea, and China, but German and French doll companies were producing dolls with ball jointed bodies in composition and wood as early as the 1860s. The two bisque-headed beauties in the back are reproductions of antique French fashion dolls created by member and doll artist extraordinaire Mary McKenzie.
This little Belgium milkmaid by German doll maker Armand Marseille is all-original. Although only 8 inches tall, her ball-jointed composition body has joints at the shoulder, hips, knees, elbows, and even at her wrists.
Another example of an antique German bisque head doll with a ball-jointed composition body poses with a wooden doll by American maker Joel Ellis. The wooden doll has metal hands and dates from the 1870s.
This primitive wooden doll has loosely jointed limbs, so that he can dance or jig when shaken.
Another set of wooden dolls by an American maker, this time by Albert Schoenhut and Company. These wooden dolls have spring joints and can hold any pose. Schoenhut dolls were produced from 1911 through the 1930s.
Two more jointed wooden dolls from Elaine's ample collection.
These two comic composition character dolls were produced by Cameo Dolls in the 1930s. The Girl is named "Joy" and the boy, of course, is Pinocchio.
This vinyl doll is a "Miss Twist" by Uneeda Doll Company. From the 1960s, she has a jointed waist, allowing her to perform the popular dance of the day, the Twist.
Members brought many examples of modern ball-jointed and multiple joint dolls. This petite pair are dollhouse dolls by artist Heidi Ott.
Multi-jointed fashion dolls ready to strike a pose.
An Asian BJD pushes her pram.
This flexible feline is a custom made "anthro" BJD (humanoid animal doll) by artist Susan Seiter. He is painted to resemble his owner's cat, a bat-earred Cornish rex.
A parcel of patriotic dolls.
This multi-jointed felt doll is by artist Maggie Iacono.
Many members enjoyed sharing their dolls with the club.
