Sometimes I think I'm always the last to know, but I guess with the world as it is today, this would have hardly made world wide headlines.
While researching the history of the 2020 release of the Ruby Red's Fashion Friends, I was saddened to discover that the wonderful and brilliantly talented artist Dianna Effner, who sculpted them and the ever popular Little Darling dolls, had passed away on October 14th last year due to cancer, at the age of 75.
If you haven't read it already, you can read the Dolls Magazine article
here.
I'm assuming the Fashion Friends Sara, is the same sculpt as the 19" American Kidz portrait #1 which was originally made in porcelain with the choice of a cloth body or the "All Porcelain Body", which later, also became the face of the 18"
Keepsake Playmate doll shown below.
 |
| Photo: Studio Doll Pro (Keepsake Playmate) |
 |
My 13" Little Darling with face by Joyce Mathews
|
 |
| My 8" porcelain Doll Show find |
 |
| And Jamie my 20" Maru & Friends doll |
Le sigh, and I have none. Hopefully someday I'll have at least one. Miss Dianna was truly an artist; her sculpts are so sweet and innocent.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you find one too RM, I agree her sculpts are very realistic looking little children. There are several of her porcelain dolls to found on the internet for reasonable prices, people don't seem to appreciate porcelain as much these days though.
DeleteBig hugs,
X
I read about it at the time. Sad loss, but I think her dolls will be loved by collectors for a long time to come. And now I know why they looked so familiar.
ReplyDeleteI think so too Mia, maybe even more so knowing there will be no more new sculpts to come. Maybe even her earlier porcelain dolls will be given another chance to bring enjoyment to collectors.
DeleteBig hugs,
X
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThat was sad news, I did not know this either. Had to read the article and then I saw some posts about this on Facebook.
I am glad you have her sculpted dolls. Had plans in the early days in my hobby to buy a Little Darling, but never came to that point.
Big hugs!
Well Niina, it's comforting to know I am not the only one who missed reading about it at the time. Sometimes I think we down under are behind the eight-ball.
DeleteLittle Darlings are hard to find, and when you find them on the secondary market, you just about need to mortgage your home to pay the price they're asking. I was on Joyce Mathews waiting list for over 12 months before I managed to purchase my girl.
Big hugs,
X
Yes, very sad Linda, it also makes one realise just how short a time we have on this earth, so we need to make the most of it. Don't worry, they will all be cherished. :)
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
X
It's such a shame... Her dolls are so lovely! I'm not collecting them, but I always glad to be able to admire them in other people collections.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Chiriann, and I feel sad when I know there will be no more dolls being created by her hands. She was a very gifted artist and she will be missed even though her dolls will continue to be loved.
DeleteBig hugs,
X
Cute dolls. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteBig hugs,
X
I didn't know that Diana Effner had passed! Such a sad thing, but she leaves behind an amazing legacy in her beautiful dolls.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Brenda
It was quite a shock to me when I found out Brenda. Yes, I think she will be remembered by everyone who has her dolls every time they look at them.
DeleteHugs,
X
ReplyDeleteI did not know that the creator of these dolls had passed away, surely now they are revalued and acquire more value, number 13 with the bear is really precious, I fell in love when I saw it, you are lucky to have it.
Kisses
I don't know if it will make any difference to their monetary value, but I shall treasure my little ones, especially the one with the bear. Joyce did such a wonderful job of painting her face.
DeleteBig hugs,
X