La Poupée Modèle & The Golden Age of French Dolls

Samy Odin lecturer and author of numerous books on dolls and director of the Musée de la Poupée Paris for 25 years, joins host Louisa Maxwell to share the story of  the magazine La Poupée Modèle.

The French children’s magazine La Poupée Modèle was launched in 1863 by Parisienne business woman Madame Lavallee-Peronne.  Published monthly each issue included: stories, plays, recipes, puzzles and supplements of paper dolls and accessories. Dolls were a major part of the magazines appeal, each issue had patterns for doll clothing so readers could sew a trousseau for their doll. 

The magazine charts the golden age of 19th century French dolls when the celebrated Lily dolls and the doll boutiques of Paris like “ La Poupée de Nuremberg  sold every conceivable luxury a doll's Mama could desire: clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture and more. Each issue of La Poupée Modèle is a treasure trove of childhood history, a special moment in a child’s life full of magic and imagination.