Madeline Dolls - A History and A Buying Guide

"In an Old House in Paris that was covered in Vines...." and so, in 1939, Madeline was born, the product of Ludwig Bemelmans' wonderful imagination.A gutsy little red-head, Madeline lived in an Old House in Paris that was her school. (In the recent film it allluded to her being an orphan, however in the original stories it refers to her "Papa", so this was artistic licence on behalf of the film-makers!) Miss Clavel was the Nun in charge, who looked after Madeline and her school-friends.The girls lived next door to the Spanish Ambassador. He had a son called Pepito who soon became friends with Madeline and her pals. Genevieve, Madeline's dog, soon joined them after she bravely rescued Madeline from the River Seine.In the original story Madeline is taken ill with Appendicitis and recovers thanks to the quick thinking of Miss Clavel calling the Doctor and some presents, whilst in hospital from Papa.The fact that each story is in rhyme and the pictures are so adorable has meant that all these years on Madeline is still a firm favourite with children amd adults alike.In around 1996 Eden Toys were given the Licence by the Bemelmans family to produce a doll to complement the books. The Madeline doll was born. She was originally dressed in a Blue Dress and Blue Hat and is distinguishable today by the spelling of Madeline on the label, which was spelt "Madeleine". She had the all important Appendix scar and was an instant hit!The Rest is History.Madeline fans wanted more and Eden were happy to give it to them. Madeline was re-vamped and produced wearing her School Uniform, Signature Yellow Hat, white gloves, Blue Coat and cute Mary Jane style shoes. Madeline's friends were also produced and Danielle, Chloe, Nicole and Pepito became as popular as Madeline herself. Then along came Miss Clavel in full Nun's habit (long dress) and Wimple (Veil). Miss Clavel and an Early "FAO Schwartz" MadelineWhen Eden Toys produced Madeline's friends each doll wore the Signature Yellow Hat, but each school uniform was slightly different. (Madeline's was Red tartan with a yellow ribbon at the neck, Danielle's was a red tartan dress with a white collar and white long sleeves, Nicole wore a red tartan blouse with a cute fleece navy blue pinafore over the top and Chloe's was yellow at the top with a faux waistcoat and a tartan skirt) Each doll wore cute black Mary Jane style shoes with white underwear and white ankle socks.An early Chloe dollMany parents saw the Madeline dolls as the antithesis to Barbie and the like. She wore children's clothes, behaved like a child in the books, she looked like a little girl and, thanks to the books, there were plenty of exciting adventures to be had rather than driving sports cars or having a boyfriend!Madeline dolls always came dressed in the Blue School Coat and white gloves, however her friends did not. Eden Toys produced the Blue Coat Outfit to ensure that all Madeline's friends could go out dressed just like Madeline if they wished!The Blue Coat OutfitEden Toys added to this lovely collection of dolls and created some superb outfits and play adventure sets. Just like Madeline in the stories your Madeline doll could be a Magician, train Elephants in the Circus, go camping, throw tea parties, attend recitals and dress beautifully for all ocassions! The Circus Play Adventure Set