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Jointed Resin Doll Bodies for Rochard French Fashion Dolls

MW Sheibley

Updated: 2 days ago

Rochard Doll "Julia" with Leather Kid Body
Rochard Doll "Julia" with Leather Kid Body

Most knowledgeable experts concur that Rochard Dolls were not initially designed with bodies, nor were they intended as children's toys. Instead, they served as striking display busts for fashion and jewelry stores in Paris, France. Bodies coupled to Rochard Dolls have consistently posed challenges due to the internal protruding microphotographic jewels. It is arguable that smaller Rochard dolls, akin to our 15 1/2 inch "Julia," could have been fitted with leather kid bodies if desired. However, this approach has never been ideal, often resulting in damage to the jewels and occasionally to the porcelain bisque. Such bodies also typically obscure the fascinating tiny microphotographs. Initially, we intended to offer our dolls solely as a head or head and shoulder-plate, following the practice of our predecessor, Anton Edmond Rochard. However, we soon realized that our clients preferred complete dolls or at least dolls with accompanying bodies. Many collectors enjoy sewing clothing and crafting jewelry, accessories, and various other items themselves, or they have a collection of vintage and antique materials they wish to use. Our goal is to provide this in a manner that enhances rather than detracts. To meet these preferences, we initially produced goatskin leather kid-type bodies with porcelain arms and lower legs. These leather bodies are designed and crafted to fit the doll without damaging the jewels. While this solution was effective in protecting the jewels, our leather bodies were not gusseted, thus limiting their pose-ability. Although this approach partially addressed the issue, we recognized the need for a more functional solution. The answer was to develop a jointed doll body.


Cutout in Rochard Doll Breastplate Facilitates Microphoto Viewing
Cutout in Rochard Doll Breastplate Facilitates Microphoto Viewing

Design Considerations for Rochard Poseable Jointed Doll Bodies - An Initial Approach

As I embarked on the task of designing and crafting the doll bodies, I delved into research on a subject with which I was not well-acquainted. Although I am recognized as an expert on Rochard dolls and their lenses, I had not previously focused on the aspects of the bodies, attire, and related elements. My research revealed that throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, doll bodies were constructed from a variety of materials, including leather, composition, wood, porcelain, clay, resin, and others. French Fashion dolls are typically characterized by jointed bodies that are both movable and poseable. During this research period, I was commissioned to create a doll body for a rare "Mignon" doll. A "Mignon" is similar to a "Mignonette" but slightly larger. These Mignon dolls are notably rare, having been produced in the 19th century by a single firm for a brief duration of approximately one year. I was given a "Mignon" body, which was jointed and made of composition. Its construction consisted of a shell formed from paper or fiber, coated in resin and a type of thick paint (compo). For this project, I utilized my resin 3D printers to achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, I was able to replicate this body accurately and authentically using resin, a composition-like material. The resin was subsequently painted, and the project was completed with precision and success. Importantly, this endeavor was an invaluable learning experience for me, equipping me to produce our initial jointed bodies from resin. The primary consideration in designing a body for Rochard dolls is ensuring the ability to view all of the microphotographs displayed in the lens jewels. The allure of any Rochard doll lies in its lenses or jewels; without the ability to appreciate the microphotos they contain, much of a Rochard doll's charm is diminished. To address this, the upper body or chest area, as well as the section between the doll's shoulders, was redesigned with a cutout. This modification allows the lenses to be housed in the breastplate without obstruction. Additionally, it provides an unobstructed view of each lens, enabling ambient light to pass freely through the window in the back of the porcelain breastplate.

Early Rochard Doll Body Prototype Low Resolution Printed Parts
Early Rochard Doll Body Prototype Low Resolution Printed Parts

The Perfect Pose Hinges on Joint Design

To ensure a doll is poseable, its joints must be precisely fitted and connected in a manner that allows the tension to maintain the doll in any desired position. Typically, as with the "Mignon" doll body, elastic cords are employed to assemble the doll's body parts. However, elastic can degrade and stretch over time, leading to potential issues. This necessitates periodic "restringing" of many dolls. I considered how this might be mitigated. Wooden bodies address this to some extent using tenons and pins. While viable, this was not the ideal solution in my view. I discovered that historically, one German company had utilized springs to connect the joints of fashion doll bodies. I acquired one of these for examination to better understand its functionality. Although not perfect in my opinion, it showed potential, and I was confident I could refine it to meet the rigorous standards of the dolls we produce.

Springs Provide the Necessary Tension in Rochard Doll Bodies
Springs Provide the Necessary Tension in Rochard Doll Bodies

From Concept to Creation: Developing the Rochard Doll Bodies

With a plan and objective in place, the process of crafting the initial bodies commenced. The first step involved sculpting the model for the body, utilizing digital sculpting software, as the bodies were intended to be 3D printed using resin and composites. This process involves printing from a file, similar to printing a document or photo on a home or office printer, differing only in the file type and printer used. With a well-sculpted model, we began printing and testing the 15 body parts and 12 pins designed to hold the hooks and attached tension springs. We started with the body of our smallest Rochard Doll, the 15 1/2" "Julia." Parts were printed, tested, assembled, modified, refined, and reprinted until they met our standards. These prototype prints were created with an inexpensive resin lacking the durability of a more costly resin, but it proved suitable for prototyping and troubleshooting. Ultimately, functional parts were produced using a robust, durable ABS-like resin, akin to that used in automotive manufacturing for plastic knobs, switches, and other components. With suitable body parts, pins, and hooks in place, we calculated and refined spring variables, such as diameter, wire thickness, length, and gauge, concluding the development phase.

3D Printed Parts for Rochard Doll Bodies (Unpainted)
3D Printed Parts for Rochard Doll Bodies (Unpainted)

Finishing and Assembling the Doll Bodies

With the ability to consistently produce each doll's components, we proceeded with finishing and assembly. During my exploration of doll bodies, I was often dissatisfied with the colors of certain antique and modern doll bodies. It was common, yet aesthetically displeasing, to see a beautiful white or eggshell porcelain head attached to a body that appeared mismatched. Many doll bodies could best be described as orange or pink, often exhibiting a sheen that did not complement the finely detailed and painted bisque head. This led to the decision to match the finish of our doll bodies with hues that more accurately align with or complement the porcelain bisque from which we craft our dolls. We proudly developed two satin texture colors, "Heirloom Porcelain" and "Porcelain Ivory," each offering a color and patina that add a rare congruence to our dolls, seldom found in other antique, vintage, or modern dolls. Every doll body we use is crafted and adjusted exclusively in our workshop from start to finish.

24" Genevieve - Porcelain Ivory & 15.5" Julia - Heirloom Porcelain
24" Genevieve - Porcelain Ivory & 15.5" Julia - Heirloom Porcelain

Rochard Doll Bodies are now available for both our 15 1/2" Julia and 24" Genevieve Dolls. Visit Stanhope MicroWorks for more information, pricing & availability.

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