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Mary France McEwen
1866–1958
The McEwen Wax Works Factory in Milwaukee, WI made wax-head mannequins for store displays. The successful business created beautiful display figures with each hair carefully embedded on the head, eyebrow or lash by electric needle. It was there that Mary learned the art of doll making.
Though the business had been quite prosperous, it ultimately failed when composition materials came onto the market. Unable to compete with the cheaper product the factory closed, and the McEwens moved to Seattle in 1910. It was there that Mary began making her wax dolls.
She was primarily known for her blond haired, blue eyed dolls, but upon the death of this reclusive artist at age 92, her collection of black dolls was found. The heads, with brown glass eyes and expressive faces, are made of wax, as are the hands, while the bodies have a wood base with wire arms and legs covered in cloth. Most of the limited collection remains in this most basic form. A few have been "fleshed out" with additional padding and cloth wrapping. Some have been partially dressed.
These unique dolls have engendered great enthusiasm at shows and in The Gallery.
[price range: $3,500-5,000]
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