NADDA San Francisco Special Exhibit NADDA

101 FRENCH BEBES
NADDA San Francisco Special Exhibit
Part One
Photographed by Michael Canadas
S
pectacular antique dolls of all types, knowledgeable
dealers and intimate, yet comfortable atmosphere
are fast becoming expected features of the doll
shows that are hosted by the National Antique Doll Dealers
Association. Another anticipated feature of these NADDA
shows must be the special exhibit staged during the run of
the show. The most recent exhibit displayed at the San
Francisco NADDA Show, entitled “One Hundred and One
French Bebes”, exceeded everyone’s expectations by far.
Jim Fernando, veteran antique doll dealer and NADDA’s
West Coast Education Chairman, assembled a collection of
French bebes so varied and complete that it simply must be
shared here with the antique doll collectors that were not
fortunate enough to attend the show, held this past April.
Due to the sheer volume of examples that were showcased,
we have decided to share the dolls in several issues, so that
you, the reader, may enjoy the same leisurely viewing pace
that attendees experienced, while feasting your eyes upon
luxurious bebes by makers such as Thuillier, Bru, Jumeau,
Steiner and others.
In this issue, we begin with the breathtaking bebes of
the Bru firm in tribute to Jim Fernando himself, his efforts
in creating a more than memorable special exhibit and his
obvious, boundless love for and dedication to these lovely
dolls. Mr. Fernando acknowledges that the success of the
exhibit would not have been guaranteed without the
generosity of those NADDA dealers that loaned their dolls
to be displayed, along with several private collectors that
participated as well.
The Executive Board and the membership of NADDA extend
heartfelt gratitude to you, the collector, for your loyal
attendance and sincerely hope you enjoy “One Hundred
and One French Bebes”.
Bru Jne 2 from the
Casimir Bru era
features an original,
commercially fitted
costume in red silk and
lace. Note her artfully
sculpted bisque arms.
Bru Jne 1 from the
Casimir Bru era with an
all leather body with
lower bisque arms.
Apart from her exquisite
small size, her ice blue
eyes are her most
commanding feature.
Previous page:
Top: Bru Jne 14 from the Henri
Chevrot era that stands an
impressive thirty-six inches tall …
proof that beauty does appear in all sizes.
Bottom left: Bru Jne 5 from the Henri Chevrot
era shown nude to illustrate the Chevrot-patented
body design and its artful construction. This
desirable example retains a paper label.
Bottom right:Bru Jne 3 from the Casimir Bru era
illustrating the simple design of the earlier, all kid
leather (with bisque arms) body style.
This page from top left:
Bru Jne 11 from the Henri Chevrot era. This especially
lovely example retains her original wig along with all
of her original beauty.
Bru Jne 14 from the Henri Chevrot era. This is the
classic Bru face with visible molded tongue that
collectors have been known to clamor for.
Note the exquisitely subtle brow, lash
and lip painting.
Bru Jne 10 on the earlier Casimir Bru
era body style. Note her
prominent tongue . . .
no “hint” here.
From top left:
Bru Jne 10 from the Henri
Chevrot era. The composition of blue
eyes, blue silk, blond hair and ecru silk
creates a stunning presentation that
must be deemed irresistible.
Bru Jne 7 from the Henri Chevrot era whose body
features articulation of the lower wooden legs and
bisque forearms, while her torso is comprised of
grass-stuffed, white kid leather. A truly remarkable
example of beauty and originality, her charming and
whimsical Commedia dell Arte costume is obviously
commercially constructed and no detail has been
overlooked, a claim proven by the silk mask she
holds in her hand.
Another Bru Jne 10 from the Henri Chevrot
period proves you can’t have too much of a
good thing. Her long blonde tresses
complement her classical Bru face.
From top left:
Bru Jne 8 from the Henri
Chevrot era. This elegant child
has graced more magazine covers
than perhaps any other Bru in
history and the reasons should be
quite evident.
A breathtaking example of a Bru
Jne 8 from the Henri Chevrot era.
Her exquisite loveliness is
matched by her costume in a
beautiful floral silk pattern.