Online bidding
Welcome to the NIADA Artists’ Collection Auction
This online preview and proxy bidding event gives collectors the opportunity to place advance bids before the live auction at the NIADA Conference. This exceptional collection features one-of-a-kind art dolls generously donated by renowned artists and collectors, including rare works from the cherished Phillip Davis Collection. Many of these pieces are unique originals and represent a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality doll art.
The auction will be led by Stuart Holbrook, President and Chief Auctioneer of Theriaults. Every bid supports NIADA’s mission to educate, inspire, and connect doll artists, collectors, and enthusiasts while preserving the art of the handmade doll.
Thank you for supporting NIADA. We invite you to explore the collection, submit your proxy bids, and join us for the excitement of the live auction at the conference.
Auction Gallery
LOT#1 Kate Church
Little Acrobat “Diabolos”
An original prototype for the Cirque de Soleil figures from the La Nouba show.
It is a one-of-a-kind, very special piece created to be sold at the Cirque de Soleil boutiques around the world.
Dimensions: 7″w x 9″h
Materials: Polymer clay, wire, cloth, ribbon, and antique wooden round object.
Generously donated from the artist’s personal collection.
LOT#5 Kathryn Walmsley
“Blue Bird and Her Fairy”
Automaton. Turn the crank handle, and Blue Bird flaps her wings.
Dimensions: 12″x12″x10″ approx.
Materials: Fairy is Creative Paperclay® with feather hair and holographic wings. The wood support box is embellished with textiles and needlework.
Generously donated from the artist’s personal collection.
LOT#8 Robert Tonner
“George”
Created in 1993, Limited Edition of 50
Dimension: 14” h
Material: Porcelain
“George” and “Amanda Marie” are two of Robert Tonner’s signature early characters, created as part of one of the first porcelain doll lines released after he founded the Robert Tonner Doll Company in 1991. Produced in a very limited edition of just 50, these dolls represent the beginning of Tonner’s remarkable career as one of the world’s most celebrated fashion doll designers.
A dedicated member of NIADA, Robert Tonner served as NIADA President from 1995 to 1997 and remained an influential figure in the organization for many years.
These rare early treasures were generously donated by NIADA patron Beverly Churwin Kaufman.
LOT#2 Karin Otto Burfict
“Conversation in Red”
Created in 2016
Dimensions: approx. 26″h
Material: Creative Paperclay, mixed media
In the artist’s words: “It is about the realization that everything is connected.”
Generously donated to the auction by Cathy Melloan from the Phillip Davis private collection.
LOT#6 Nancy Wiley
“Moulin Rouge”
Art Doll inspired by Moulin Rouge and French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Dimensions: Approx. 18″ h
Material: Mixed media
Nancy Wiley described her creations as “viewing the doll as a 3D canvas.” She paints the features in oil, which is her distinctive style. Nancy is no longer creating dolls, so this is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of her pieces.
Generously donated to the auction by Cathy Melloan from the Phillip Davis private collection.
LOT#9 Robert Tonner
“Amanda Marie”
Created in 1993, Limited Edition of 50
Dimension: 14” h
Material: Porcelain
“George” and “Amanda Marie” are two of Robert Tonner’s signature early characters, created as part of one of the first porcelain doll lines released after he founded the Robert Tonner Doll Company in 1991. Produced in a very limited edition of just 50, these dolls represent the beginning of Tonner’s remarkable career as one of the world’s most celebrated fashion doll designers.
A dedicated member of NIADA, Robert Tonner served as NIADA President from 1995 to 1997 and remained an influential figure in the organization for many years.
These rare early treasures were generously donated by NIADA patron Beverly Churwin Kaufman.
LOT#3 Sandra Oglesby
“Incognito at the Passing Show”
This piece was part of a series called “Life is a Passing Show”.
Dimensions: 14.5″h x 6″w x 6″d
Materials: Polymer clay, paperclay, copper wire, soft sculpted body, wood, fabric and leather. Hair is Swedish cotton warp thread.
Generously donated from the artist’s personal collection.
LOT#7 Juliet Pelukh
“Woman Like the Sea”
Art BJD (7 connections). Created in 2017 as part of the “Sea project” presented at the International Fashion Doll Exhibition in Ukraine. In 2019, the artwork became the official image of the exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Since 2019, it has been held in a private collection.
Dimensions: 15.35″h x 9.84″d x 9.84″w
Materials: Antique lace, antique ribbons, Japanese seed beads, a genuine seashell, and a wooden display stand. The body is sculpted from La Doll clay. The lower portion is created using felted wool and textile elements.
Donated by Cathy Melloan from the Phillip Davis private collection.
LOT#10 Akira Blount
“Rabbit Mask Doll”
Dimensions: 14.5″h x 6″w x 6″d
Signed by Akira, 1994
Dimensions: 14”h x 5.5”w x 7”d
Materials: Rabbit sits on a three-legged stool and holds a carrot. He is dressed in Akira’s signature style, featuring a painted rabbit mask, neck, and feet. His head, hands, and body are made of cloth, with jointed shoulders and hips.
Imperfection: The tip of the carrot is chipped, not noticeable because of the way he holds it.
In the donor’s words: “I’ve treasured my wonderful Rabbit Mask Akira doll and am thrilled that he will find a new home within the NIADA family.”
Generously donated by Kathryn Walmsley.
LOT#4 E.J. Taylor
“Mother Goose” Prototype #1
Created as an artist limited edition by EJ and Dollsmith Ltd.
Dimensions: About 10″h
Materials: The original head, hands, and feet were sculpted by EJ. A torso was then created, and all parts were cast in resin and hand-painted. EJ provided an illustration for the desired costuming, and the prototype, pattern, costuming, and assembly were completed based on that design.
This doll debuted and sold at the Portland show. Only two were created. Due to EJ’s illness, no additional dolls were produced after the prototypes. All prototype parts, patterns, and related materials were returned to his estate.
Generously donated from Theresa May’s personal collection.
