Character Dolls: Swindon's Past and Present

It's hard to keep up with the new exhibitions at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery this one featuring some of Swindon's characters is brilliant. When I heard the Swindon Stitch n Bitch group were having an exhibition of knitted character dolls, it seemed like an unlikely thing to do. However they are fabulous, if you click on their name above, you'll find a list of the 31 characters depicted in wool, in a Swindon Advertiser article.
Here are some of my favourite characters:

 Above from the left Melinda Messenger, Justin Hayward and Lord Joel Joffe. Apparently Rod Hebden contacted Melinda Messenger and asked if she'd like to come and see 'her' doll, and she has done so!

 From the left, Alfred Owen Williams, Diaina Dors and Jahmene Douglas

 Above William Morris, founder of the Swindon Advertiser and below his grandson, Desmond Morris, among many other things, Patron of the Friends

In the photo above, you can see Isambard Brunel, Tony Collins of hospital trolley fame and Fred Ferris, a beautifully turned out Town Crier, and below the case all the figures are displayed in, it's in the downstairs room on the left of the museum as you go in through the front door.

 I went in for another look this morning and took close ups of Lord Joffe

 Justin Hayward

 Diana Dors

 and against the light, a photo of Julian Clary.

If you love the character dolls, then it's possible to own one. Simply give your name, name of the doll you'd like and how much you're prepared to pay for it to the member of staff on reception at the museum. Alternatively email Tracey Major on majortracey@gmail.com with the information. The doll goes to the highest bidder after 5 May when the exhibition comes down.
All proceeds go to the charity Swindon Mind