In the early 1960s, after completing her studies at art school in Aberdeen, Sheena MacLeod embarked on a journey to create a unique collection of dolls that would capture the essence of traditional Scottish life. With a deep passion for her heritage, MacLeod chose to depict the lives of 19th-century Scottish fishwives, fishermen, island dwellers, and crofters through meticulously crafted dolls. These Highland Character Dolls soon became beloved collectibles, cherished for their authenticity and intricate detail.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Rejecting the trend towards inexpensive, mass-produced items, Sheena MacLeod focused on creating high-quality, handmade dolls. Each doll was crafted using traditional materials such as woven tweeds, wool tartans, and other fine fabrics. To achieve this level of craftsmanship, MacLeod employed a team of skilled part-time assistants who shared her dedication to quality. Every doll was a work of art, with MacLeod personally overseeing the production and ensuring each one met her high standards.
The dolls initially featured heads made from composition using plaster over a wire armature. However, in the early 1980s, MacLeod transitioned to using polyester resin, a material that allowed for greater durability and detail. Despite the change in materials, the commitment to quality remained steadfast, with each accessory carefully handcrafted and the dolls often adorned with signed tags by MacLeod herself.
Range and Popularity
At the peak of their production, Sheena MacLeod’s dolls were sold in over 400 shops across Scotland and even found their way to international markets, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and Sweden. The dolls gained prestigious recognition, with The Design Centre in London including them in its index, a testament to their artistic and cultural value.
MacLeod’s range expanded to include over 20 different characters, each with a unique story and attire that reflected Scotland’s rich traditions. The dolls were sold in boxes with cellophane covers, accompanied by tags that explained the doll’s character. Notable among these were the Newhaven Fishwife Doll, representing the iconic fishwives of Newhaven, and the Crofter Man Making Creel Doll, which depicted the life of an independent crofter tending to his land.
Awards and Legacy
The Highland Character Dolls were not only popular among collectors but also received numerous accolades. Since 1970, they have won awards in the Souvenirs of Scotland competitions and were featured in the Design Council Index. One notable achievement was winning the Bronze Peacock Feather at the 4th International Folklore Dolls Biennale in Cracow, Poland. In 1981, the dolls received the Craft Award of the Year, further cementing their status as treasured collectibles.
Sheena MacLeod’s tragic death in a car crash marked the end of an era, but her dolls continue to live on, gaining even more significance. They are being collected and have the potential to become sought-after items in the future. Most dolls seem to be around the £40-£60 / 50$-$80 price range.
Notable Dolls
Among the many dolls created by MacLeod, a few stand out for their historical and cultural significance:
- Newhaven Fishwife Doll: Celebrating the famed fishwives of Newhaven, known for carrying fresh fish into Edinburgh, immortalized in song with their cries of “caller herring.”
- Outer Isles (Lewis and Harris) Island Woman Doll: Representing the women of Harris and Lewis, these dolls highlight the traditional practice of dyeing yarn with lichen, crucial to the creation of the region’s famous tweeds.
- Crofter Man Making Creel Doll: This doll showcases the life of a crofter, embodying the spirit of independence and tradition in rural Scotland.
Sheena MacLeod’s Highland Character Dolls remain a cherished part of Scotland’s artistic and cultural landscape. They are a beautiful homage to a bygone era, capturing the essence of Scottish life with warmth and authenticity. As time passes, these dolls grow even more precious, a tangible link to Scotland’s storied past.
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