In 1953, Americans were riveted by the glamour, ceremony and spectacle of the coronation of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, and to mark the occasion, Madame Alexander created her first famous Coronation Dolls Collection, a collection that today resides in the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Now, as the Queen celebrates the 50th Jubilee of her Coronation, our fascination with British royalty remains undiminished. At Toy Fair 2002, Madame Alexander introduced a new commemorative line of Coronation Dolls modeled upon Britain’s first family, the royal Windsors. The collection that includes Queen Elizabeth Processional II, Queen Elizabeth II Recessional, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Crowning Glory, and Palace Guard, now welcomes two new members to the royal court, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret Rose. Created as a commemorative tribute to these two beloved symbols of the British monarchy, the 2002 series of Coronation dolls is crafted with the same attention to detail that made the original 1953 Coronation collection a crowning success both artistically and historically.
Possibly one of the most beloved members of Britain’s Royal Family in recent memory, the late Queen Mother (1900-2002) will always be remembered as a strongly family-oriented woman dedicated to public service, a woman with that rare quality, the “common touch.” During the Battle of Britain, as the Luftwaffe devastated London with relentless bombing raids, the Queen, her husband King George VI and their two daughters, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, refused to be evacuated, sitting out the war on the front line with the people, rather than seeking the safety of a judicious retreat. The family became a symbol of the country’s resistance, and England never forgot the Queen’s staunch bravery and unflinching commitment to her country. Madame Alexander’s new 10-inch The Queen Mother doll is costumed in a breathtaking gown in the style often worn by the monarch affectionately known as “the Queen Mum.” She wears a sleeveless ivory brocade gown embroidered with crystal seed beads on the full skirt and around the high round neck, and over this she wears an ivory sash affixed with “royal” metal insignia. The Queen Mother also wears an ivory petticoat and pantyhose, brocade heels and ivory opera-length gloves. Over her shoulders she wears a ceremonial red velvet cape trimmed with faux ermine, with gold braid detailing and tassels at the shoulders. In her ears are simple rhinestone studs, and a rhinestone tiara crowns her brunette upswept hair. Available as a very limited edition of 250 pieces, each exquisite doll comes with a Royal Lineage Certificate keepsake that traces the royal family’s ancestry.
The late Princess Margaret Rose (1930-2002) will be forever remembered for her vitality, her love of the arts, her loyalty to her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, and her devoted service to her country. Only 22 at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation, Princess Margaret enjoyed a very active social life and had a glamorous style and a lively interest in fashion and the arts. Madame Alexander’s 250-piece limited edition Princess Margaret Rose doll is 8-inches-tall and lovely in a rose-pink taffeta gown embroidered with rosebuds. The sleeveless gown has a scoop
neckline, a fitted A-line silhouette and a long, gored skirt. Underneath she wears a pink petticoat, pantyhose and pink taffeta heels. Over her shoulders is a red velvet ceremonial cape trimmed in faux ermine with a dramatic white collar. Princess Margaret Rose wears a rhinestone brooch pinned at the neckline of her gown, matching rhinestone earrings and a rhinestone tiara atop her dark shoulder-length curls.
The Alexander Doll Company, a New York-based company, is now celebrating its 79th Anniversary, continuing the tradition, elegance and innovation of Madame Alexander® dolls with a full line of fine quality, handcrafted collectible dolls, baby dolls and play dolls. The company has created a series of "firsts" that have shaped the doll industry and has always been a pioneer of style and quality in this community.
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For More Information Contact: Jane Abrahams or Lisa Olsen, 212/283-5900
Alexander Doll Company, 615 West 131st Street, New York, New York 10027
Phone (212) 283-5900, Fax (212) 283-4901
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