Profile of a Collector

Profile of a Collector - Valerie Theresa Ward

Index ||| Welcome ||| About the Editors ||| Collecting News ||| Profile of a Collector ||| Profile of an Artist ||| Doll in the Spotlight! ||| Doll Care Basics ||| Resources ||| FAQ ||| Closing Words

In this issue, it is our pleasure to feature doll collector Valerie Theresa Ward.

Q: How long have you been collecting dolls?
A: I am a relatively new collector and have only been collecting dolls for 2 years.

Q: What prompted you to begin collecting?
A: I have always loved dolls and had a few around the house purchased from craft fairs, etc. I really began to seriously collect dolls when I purchased a computer and was searching for a new avenue for collecting to reduce work-related stress. The Internet provided me with greater resources for purchasing dolls, an opportunity to meet new people, and a way to "escape" from my everyday routine for a few hours. As my interest and knowledge about dolls grew, I realized that collecting also provided me with an opportunity to connect with the "inner child" within me. Doll collecting takes me back to more innocent and peaceful childhood times in my life.

Q: Did you own black dolls as a child? If so, which ones?
A: I have tried hard to recall if I owned a Black doll and came to the conclusion that I did not. All of my dolls were white or some other nationality since a friend of my family was a Merchant Marine and always brought me a doll back from various ports in the world. Unfortunately, I have no idea of what happened to these dolls.

Q: Do you still own any of your childhood dolls?
A: No, unfortunately, I do not. I think my parents gave them away to others when I lost interest in them.

Q: Please share one or some of your fondest childhood memories.
A: Well, I do not know if it was one of my fondest memories but it was interesting. In the near future I will purchase a Black Patty Play Pal doll to replace the one I destroyed when I was a child. One Christmas, I pleaded for a Patty Play Pal doll and got her!! She was beautiful with her long blond hair and crisp clothing, and I played with her for hours on a daily basis. Several months after receiving her, some sort of "spell" overtook my rational thinking and I cut off her hair!! The poor thing only had little spouts all over her head. I can only recall being angry at her for not sitting properly in her chair and because she had longer hair than I, but that doesn't excuse my butchery. Well, one can imagine the response of my hard-working parents who probably had difficulty purchasing her for me. The doll was taken away from me and given to a lady who repaired dolls, but I have never got her back. One day I will replace her. As I said, it was interesting (smile).

Q: As an adult collector of black dolls, what types of dolls do you prefer to collect and why?
A: When I first started collecting, I preferred cloth dolls that were soft and haggle, etc. As I acquired more knowledge and resources about dolls, I have expanded my collection to include vinyl, wood, clay, papier mache and porcelain.
I think that many collectors would agree that you must have a "reason" for purchasing a particular doll. I must "connect" to this doll in some manner and have the following specific criteria for making my selections:

Size: I love big, life-size dolls. I have many 24-36" dolls that I love even though they take up a lot of space. Features: First and foremost, my Black dolls MUST have realistic Black features, or I will not purchase them. White dolls "colored" Black are a big turnoff for me since I feel that these manufacturers do not value our diversity and culture and think that they can sell us anything. If they refuse to spend the money to create appropriate dolls then they can keep them.
Cost: I would love to be able to afford every doll I like but the reality is I cannot. I want Black artist dolls to become more affordable so that more people can enjoy them.

Q: Approximately, how many Black dolls do you currently own?
A: I have approximately 300 Black dolls.

Q: Where and how are your dolls displayed?
A: Everywhere!!! I have them on shelves throughout my home, sofas in my living room, cradles, chairs, book cases -- every available space.

Q: Do you keep your dolls NRFB or do you remove them from their boxes?
A: All of my dolls are on display and out of their boxes. If I want to touch and play with them, they must be accessible.

Q: Usually what inspires you to purchase a doll?
A: As previously stated, I have a need to make a "connection" on some level with a doll in order for me to purchase it.

Q: From what sources do you purchase dolls?
A: I have purchased dolls from the Internet, eBay, fairs, neighborhood garage sales, etc. I have also acquired a number of dolls from coworkers who travel around the world.

Q: Do you consider yourself a "seasoned" collector? If so, what doll-collecting tips would you offer to beginning collectors?
A: By no means am I a "seasoned" collector. I consider myself to be a novice who is just beginning to be able to look at a doll and say, "I think she is a Heath or some other doll artist. I love when my identifications are right." If I may, I would offer this advice to beginning collectors: Buy what you like and can afford; expand your knowledge by meeting other collectors; and ignore the critics who cannot understand your interest.

Q: If you are a beginning collector, what would you most like to learn about your new hobby?
A: I would most like to learn about unknown Black doll artists since our support is crucial and Black dolls from other countries.

Q: If you could own any one doll today, which doll would it be and why?
A: This question is a difficult since there are so many dolls on my "wish list". I would love to own any one of Pauline Middleton's dolls since they are so lifelike -- it would be like having my own child.

Valerie's Final Comments: Doll collecting has become a passion for me and it has allowed me to share my interest with family and friends. Initially, my family and friends had difficulty understanding why this middle-aged woman wanted to collect dolls, but now they will add to my collection [by giving me] dolls as gifts. I believe they see and appreciate the joy and peace it brings me.

Below are photos of some of Valerie's dolls!

Front Row: Angel Baby by Lee Middleton, Jill by Hildegard Gunzel. Middle: Billy and Gemma by Kay Wiggs. Back: Maya by Tara Heath and Aimee by Ruth Treffeisen.

Front: Sammi by Donna Rubert and Rustie, Tu-Tu Cutie Petutie by FayZah Spanos. Back: "I'm Blessed in Every Way", "Praise Thee for Creating Me", and "Heaven's Grace" by Spanos

Dolls by Christine Orange and Pamela Erff.
From left to right: Beth, Trina (Erff), Hiliary.

Maya, a porcelain doll by Christine Orange

Vinyl dolls by Philip Heath: Alessanda (front), Ami and Yoromong (back).

Belinda by Christine Orange

Part of Valerie's cloth doll collection.

In the short period that she has been collecting, Valerie has certainly amassed an extremely nice and varied Black-doll collection. She has become quickly astute at her hobby through Internet-doll access and networking with others.

It has been our pleasure to profile Valerie in the first issue of
Black Doll-E-Zine

Thank you Valerie!