Helen Cohen has spent over 40 years in the doll world,
beginning with rag dolls and progressing through miniatures, owning her own
shop and then onto the larger figures represented in this book. This wonderful
combination of cats with the human form in fabulous historic costume “takes the
viewer to a different philosophical dimension.” Why cats? You may ask yourself. Once you see
them, you’ll ask “why not?” It certainly works!
Lavish, sumptuous, gorgeous are all words I used when
admiring the dolls on my first glance through the book. The figures range in
size from 4 1/2” to 22” Tiny companion figures of cats and dogs are as equally
detailed as the main characters. Cohen uses resin cat faces for her figures,
which are purchased and then painted over. Using her extensive self-taught costuming
skill is clearly what she enjoys the most. No sewing machines were used to
create all the amazing designs, the costumes being permanently attached to the
figures. Accurately representing many historical periods, Cohen takes us on a
walk through time. While not being a strictly how-to book, much detail is
provided on each doll. They are described in great detail, giving us references
to the period or character represented and her thinking on the process.
Departures into fantasy are also noted, to clarify when a costume is not
strictly period.
The photography by David Gehosky is superb. With experience
photographing historic costume for museums and publications, his talent brings
the work to us in eye popping clarity. The detail shots and camera angles are
the essence of the whole presentation of this book.
Anyone who enjoys dolls or costume will appreciate this
book, which I highly recommend.
Available from Schiffer Publishing and Amazon
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