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Peter also told me in a long telephone conversation that when they started to sell the porcelain dolls to one of the shopping channels, people started to purchase them in bulk when their "time" on the show was over supposedly at warehouse sales, where employees were allowed to come in a purchase dolls at rock-bottom prices. Then they would sell them for a pittance on ebay. He was beside himself about this.
It was too bad. As far as dolls go, their porcelain line was wonderful. So many collectors (like me!) who couldn't afford their wax dolls were finally able to have a Paul Crees and Peter Coe doll at an affordable price. When I saw the prototypes of Tosca, Tutti Fruitti and Musicale (which I also saw in person when Paul brought it to the doll shop I worked in one year), I knew I had to have them all as soon as they were available. But alas, they never became available.
I had talked to Paul about doing a porcelain version of Marie Antoinette -- begged him to do one, actually -- and he laughed and said, "That's a good idea. I'll talk to Peter when I get home." Their 18th Century ladies (the Marie Antoinettes, the Madame Pomapdours, Lady With A Parrot, Gainsborough Lady, et al.) were absolutely marvelous. The closest I got was their porcelain Muscateer, and I used to own the prototype for that doll, Milady deWinter, which I photographed and is pictured in the Porcelain Dolls folder.
I had met Paul and Peter briefly at Toy Fair in NYC back in either 94 or 95, I forget which, when I attended with a friend and his wife. I didn't get into the doll business until late 1998. I met Paul in either 2000 or 2001 when he came alone to Toy Fair and stopped in at the shop I was working in. During the time I worked at the shop, I sold many of their dolls. We had to call to check on availability of some dolls. Those were the times I got to speak to Peter mostly (and sometimes Mabel). Peter loved to talk, and he called me "The Divine Frank." I so miss those conversations with him. Sianney, you were so lucky to have worked with Paul and Peter. They were two of my most favorite people in the doll world.
Is your Norma the same as the one on the site? I know he did several different ooak's of her.
Upon looking at this doll, I realized what a striking similarity it bears to the porcelain Tosca (which never was produced). The sculpt is almost identical, and the cut of the costume is also (different fabrics and trims though). Now we know where Paul and Peter got the idea of Tosca from!
Too bad Tosca was never produced. I would have grabbed that doll in a New York minute. Same with Musicale, which I saw in person when I last saw Paul. Musicale was stunning. And let's not forget the campy-funny Tutti Fruitti. I would have had all three.
So Tosca represents Maria Callas. Musicale always reminded me of an early Diana Ross with one of those 60s highly teased wigs she wore back then, though I don't know if the boys intended her to be anyone in particular. And Tutti Fruitti is, of course, the inimitable and wonderful Carmen Miranda. Who knows how many other wonderful dolls they would have done had they continued with their porcelain line.
I so miss talking to Paul and Peter on the telephone when I was in the doll business. I didn't talk to Paul as frequently, but Peter and I had wonderful conversations. And there was always Mabel answering the phone, laying it on thick: " 'ello, luv!"
This is going to be a tough one, Lenny. You're going to have to find someone who has a broken doll and will sell the costume and accessories. Best thing is to keep watching ebay. A damaged Alexandra but with costume, jewelry and accessories intact may come up for a low price. Good luck.
I was curious if you had any others that you were going to send Did you say you had more of his Marlene's?
Hope you are doing well, Sonya.,
