I had to put that ("dear friend") in the title of the post. Eric Caron was one of the GWTW fans I met in the Scarlett O'Hara Vinyl Doll Group. When you're a man who collects dolls, it pays to know that you are not the sole male who collects dolls and more so one who loves Gone with the Wind, Little House and the Prairie and Vivien Leigh. It's like you're in a foreign country and suddenly you get to find someone who speaks the same language as you do.
Eric's GWTW collection range from books, soundtracks/stage musicales of GWTW (recently he shared a London Musicale of GWTW with me -- very interesting too!) Eric was also one of the staunch supporters of my dreams in repainting. He even sent me a doll to practice on. Look back and you may find her wearing Tonner's "Receiving Guests with Melanie".
This is part of the latest addition to his collection: The Tonner Bridal Scarlett (doll only). None the hair has been re-touched (and this is why I chose this as the first picture). The first photo shows you how beautiful that hairstyle is with curls over what seems to be a large braid. Thus the head of the doll has volume and body -- befitting of a bride. The back of the dress is opened because this is a Franklin Mint dress and the Tonner body is big around the bodice area for it. It is the Franklin Mint "Beaux Monde" gown or the mourning dress worn by Scarlett when she is gifted the green Paris Hat by Rhett Butler.
I like this photo of Scarlett seated (Eric has this nice Victorian chair that works well with the doll + you should see his GWTW and Little House on the Prairie miniatures). Some of Eric's miniatures have even been gifts to the actual TV cast of Little House on the Prairie -- How cool is that? But that surprise comes in later.
Eric has this eye too for poses. I like this doll seated on the chair because you see her arched eyebrow -- perfectly and the pouf of the hair behind. Notice too how the black contrasts still with the dark grey background and how haunting that hand falls on the arm rest of the chair. This photo is like those in the Victorian portraits. Franklin Mint's impeccable jewelry may be simple but in scale and so realistic! Here it punctuates the mourning dress as its only adornment allowed.
And here's a photo of that lovely chair.
Polite, seemingly reserved but that far-off look and arch eyebrow tell you she's no ordinary Civil War lady.
This is the red garnet gown worn by Scarlett in that shameful entry in Ashley's party. I think the length of the gown is just right here. The photograph is also clean with the red standing out.
Here's a vintage styled photograph of Mrs. Butler. She doesn't look that shameful does she?
And now a peek into Eric's miniatures. I am sure you'll love them! Below, you will see the "porch scene" of Tara recreated by Eric.
notice how everything is in scale, the texture that simulates the material of the home, the fall of light and shadow of the photograph as well as the color -- Scarlett's dress has it right.
If you wish to read more, this link will lead you to the "Little House Reunion" site where these photos were taken: http://www.zunshine.com/littlehouse/tombstone.html
The Little House school where Laura and Mary Ingalls would go. I could still see them with Nellie giving them a hard time. = )
And the iconic and charming Little House. = )
Thank you Eric for sharing with me your collection...oops sorry, I had to post your "Little House" miniatures here. Tres magnifique!