Vintage porcelain doll and mixed media necklace.

“I love things with a (hi)story, I feel it gives them soul, and that touches and inspires me. My favourite places are junk and charity shops but also DIY stores and shops that normally would be of no interest to me. A while ago I passed a fishing tackle shop. I thought they would make really nice necklaces!"

“My particular passion is with old dolls though. About 10 years ago I picked up my first porcelain doll from a junk shop and since then they haven't stopped fascinating me. I especially like the ones that have been knocked about by life, that have cracks and scars and bits missing. They are my favourites!” 

“I pick them up, wash them, dry them, paint them, give them clothes, sometimes jewels to wear...... whatever I feel it needs to express what I see in them. I've done it many many times and have been asked many many times: "Why these dolls?" 

“They have dignity for me, a timeless beauty I can't resist. Their little faces unimpressed by what has happened to them. Discarded, forgotten and reclaimed a hundred years of history looking back at me. They remind me of myself, my mother, my grandmother. Our wounds, cracks and scars, our discarded and forgotten parts, the hidden bits that feel awkward and don't fit in”

“I’m touched by what I see and in this literally very small way - only a few centimetres in size - I want to celebrate who we are. Celebrate the beauty of cracks and scars and bits missing and how we can shine through cracks and scars and bits missing”

Size - Approx 10cm (doll)