1950’s Nora Wellings Cloth Doll - London Bobby

Norah Wellings was a British toymaker and designer. She was known for her work at Chad Valley Co Ltd starting in 1919 and in her own cloth doll factory, the Victoria Toy Works, beginning in 1926.

Wellings' cloth dolls represent children and adults as well as storybook characters.During the second world war, Wellings made dolls representing characters from the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. She also made a number of “Jolly Boy” felt sailor figures which were staple souvenirs aboard cruise liners from the 1930’s through the 1960s’. Her dolls were produced in multiple sizes. They are usually made of felt, velvet and velveteen with handpainted, moulded faces that are sealed with a waterproof coating to make them washable. Their joints are stitched. Wellings was adamant that all her dolls were fully marked with sewn on labels in cream or black either on a wrist or a foot. Her motto was, “Quality not quantity”.

This Norah Wellings souvenir doll is a London “Bobby” or policeman. He is 8 ½” tall. He is made of stuffed cotton cloth with stitched fingers. He has a moulded stockinette smiling face with painted blue eyes and long lashes. The policeman is dressed in a blue velvet uniform with a painted tie and applied lapels, pockets and small white buttons. His hat is blue felt trimmed with black leather and a metal button on the front. He has black velvet shoes on his feet. His Norah Wellings label is stitched to the bottom of his left foot.

This doll is in excellent condition. Please examine the photos and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. While you are here, do enjoy the other cloth dolls I have available at this time. Thank you for visiting my shop today.