Vintage Circus/Sideshow Challenge Piece Is Done

Saturday was the deadline for the Spring Challenge over at ADA Art Doll Artists so now I can show you my finished project.

While I have made smaller dolls than this before I'm not fond of working this small. She fits in my hand and both she and her horse were a huge challenge. I hope you enjoy seeing her. Introducing Matilda and Juniper.

Matilda Tillmann was born into a moderately wealthy family and was one of 9 daughters. Her 8 sisters were great beauties and were much sought after for marriage by handsome, rich and dashing young men. As sister after sister headed off to wedded bliss, poor Matilda became more and more depressed. Her parents were concerned yet practical people who decided to spend Matilda’s dowry on a horse since she loved to ride and honestly knew that they’d never be able to marry off this daughter with that face. “Now Matilda can take care of us in our old age and have a good horse to keep her company” was the thought of her parents. 

Matilda loved her horse and scandalized the village by riding about town in trousers and short riding skirts while standing on her head. Mr. Tillmann worried about ruining his business reputation told Matilda he would have to take her horse away if she didn’t ride like a proper lady. Matilda loved the freedom her horse gave her and decided somehow her life must change. 

A fortnight later a Circus arrived just outside the village. Matilda begged her parents for permission to go but decent people did not attend circus performances. So Matilda snuck out with the household staff and had the time of her life. She watched the trick rider who wasn’t very good and thought “this is for me!” She snuck out again the next afternoon with her horse and showed the Ringmaster what she could do and was hired right away. Matilda became very happy, famous, rich and had many dashing lovers despite her face.