The History of Paper Dolls

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One of the first sets of paper doll was not designed for children, but for adults. This was the "Patin", which first appeared in France in the early 1700s. They were flat, pasteboard figures which, when assembled and strung, performed acrobatic antics. They were in the form of Jump-Jack clowns and famous ballerinas of the day.

Later, in the eighteenth century, both in England and France, commercial paper doll sheets designed exclusively for children began to appear. These were the familiar dolls with cut-out dresses, the basic format which has survived and remains popular to this day.

During the nineteenth century, many "portrait" paper dolls appeared. Jenny Lind, the famous singer; General and Mrs. Tom Thumb; and even, at the end of the century, the Rough Rider, Teddy Roosevelt. All were "honored" by being immortalized as paper dolls.

The twentieth century saw the greatest number of paper dolls being produced - especially of movie stars and other celebrities. Paper doll clubs and conventions were attended by many of the paper doll artists themselves, such as Helen Page, Queen Holden, Tom Tierney, Marilyn Henry, Judy Johnson, Mary Lillemoe, Susan Beebe, and many, many others.

When we view the art styles, costumes, occupations, etc., of paper dolls, they can give us historical information of precious years and centuries. But, most importantly, paper dolls should be, above all, fun and enjoyable to play with, admire, and collect.