101 FRENCH BEBES NADDA San Francisco Special Exhibit Part One Photographed by Michael Canadas Spectacular 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.