[Potter, Beatrix] Original Jemima Puddle-Duck Doll

(London: J.K. Farnell, ca. 1910). Original stuffed Jemima Puddle-Duck doll, with swivel head, and composed of white mohair, glass bead eyes, orange felt beak and webbed feet, with brown linen bonnet, and paisley textile shawl. Measuring approximately 11 in. (279 mm) in length. Martin, Farnell Teddy Bears, p. 139

A rare original stuffed Jemima Puddle-Duck doll, one of the very first licensed products based on Beatrix Potter's writings. Potter first introduced Jemima Puddle-Duck in 1908, in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, which tells the tale of a farmyard duck and the fox that wants to eat her. Potter likely chose the name in honor of Jemima Blackburn (1823-1909), a Scottish ornithological painter and illustrator whom she met in 1891. The book became an instant success upon its publication and inspired a variety of merchandise, including this soft Jemima doll, which was registered by manufacturer Farnell in 1910. The doll's paisley shawl, was, according to Justin Schiller, "manufactured at the Potter family textile factory (or so it is believed)."

Manufactured by J.K. Farnell, a family-run business that produced soft toys, and is credited with manufacturing the first British teddy bear, in 1906, which was also the influence for the character of Winnie-the-Pooh.

We have located two other examples, one in the Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton, and one at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the latter example dated ca. 1925.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller

[Potter, Beatrix] Original Jemima Puddle-Duck Doll

[Potter, Beatrix] Original Jemima Puddle-Duck Doll