Hobart Doll Show: Craft for the Community
August 17th, 2011 | 
Author: The Hobart Doll Show is on again! Held annually in August, it’s the largest doll-making competition in Australia. This year’s event will be held at the Hellenic House in Federal Street, North Hobart on August 27 and 28. The show is the highlight of the calendar for the 50+ Tasmanian regional members of the Hobart Doll Club.
A wide variety of doll-making craft at the Hobart Doll Show competition
Hobart Doll Show: All the Fun of the Fair
The theme for this year’s Hobart Doll Show is All the Fun of the Fair. But it’s not only locals who join in the fun. The show attracts visitors from interstate, who time their week-long Tasmanian holiday to incorporate the competition.
Craft, bears, dolls... all entered into the Hobart Doll Show competition
Trade stall allocations are highly prized, with space limited to 49 places. Some of those attending fly in from New South Wales for the weekend just to sell their craft supplies to the eager crowd. With morning and afternoon tea available as well, the Hellenic Hall will be all abuzz with activity.
The Hobart Doll Show is the largest doll-making competition in Australia
Doll Club: Charitable Craft
For over 20 years, the Hobart Doll Club have been using the opportunity to raise funds for charity. Every year, all proceeds from the raffle, plus a donation from the club, are given to Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania to assist with the purchase of much-needed equipment.
Raffle Tickets cost $1-00 each. Prizes are…
1st: 32″ Daisy Garland Doll; 2nd: Patchwork Quilt; 3rd: Reborn Doll; 4th: Cloth Doll
Hobart Doll Show: the judges are presented with very clever work
Speaking with the club’s Vice President Susan Lyden about the Hobart Doll Show, there’s no mistaking the passion these people have for their craft. Susan was also clearly (and rightly) proud of the commitment the club has made to Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania. With such community spirit and a strong mutual interest, it’s no wonder they’ve been going strong since 1983.
Hobart Doll Show 2004: porcelain doll made by Susan Lyden
Hobart Doll Show… of Enthusiasm!
The club roll out the welcome mat to everyone, and meet regularly for workshops and outings. Doll-lovers are encouraged to visit meetings as a guest or complete an application form for membership. Wide-ranging interests are covered under the umbrella of the Hobart Doll Club, and include
- antique and modern porcelain dolls
- collecting, restoration & conservation techniques
- teddy bears and handmade cloth dolls
- general craft activities
Hat box craft workshop at the Hobart Doll Club
They freely admit that their enthusiasm verges on obsession! And there’s no wonder really, when you consider the process involved with making a porcelain doll. Starting from scratch, pouring and bisque-firing the clay in a kiln; painting miniature facial features in layers; sewing elaborate clothes and assembling accessories. There’s many skilled professions rolled into one package, there!
Members of the Hobart Doll Club on one of their outings
If you’d like to join this merry band of doll-makers
contact the Hobart Doll Club.
More information and entry forms for the 2011
Hobart Doll Show can be found on the club’s website.
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Tags: Arts, Events
2 Responses to “Hobart Doll Show: Craft for the Community”
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Hi, I am in Launceston. I left a doll I had previously purchased from a Hobart doll maker named “Shirley” with her at a recent doll show at the Casino in Launceston, as its leg had broken and Shirley was going to repair it. I haven’t heard from her, she may have lost my contact details. I would LOVE to get my doll back!! It is a Chinese style porcelain doll in a red dress. Do YOU know who ‘Shirley’ is?? Could you please send me her contact details or ask her to contact me??
Thanking you,
Yvonne Gluyas
No problems, Yvonne. We’ll put you in touch with someone who can help you. Hopefully you’ll be reunited with your doll soon.