Bebe Jumeau Factory
SOLD April 2014 |
A group of fifteen card-mounted gelatin-silver prints circa 1890 showing stages in the manufacture of the famous French Bebe Jumeau doll. Images in generally excellent condition with some minor defects and/or light silvering-out. Images each about 5 x 7 inches (12x17 cm), on thin card measuring approximately 7 x 9.25 inches (18x24 cm).
The Bebe Jumeau was a high-quality bisque doll notable kept clothed in the latest of high-quality fashions by its makers. This group of images give a unique insight into the creation of the cultural objects, from the design of the molds for their heads through final assembly and hand-dressing. The fifteen images each hand-numbered in upper right, although not consecutively, an unnumbered duplicate image is also included with the group.
Images are not signed, but second image mount is inscribed on reverse "Rue Arago 64 / Moulage des dents" [64 Rue Arago / Molding Teeth]. This address is one I have been told is associated with the Bebe Jumeau works. In the image numbered 25, a packing box is visible at left with blurred inscription that also appears to read BEBE JUMEAU.
