Walking Doll c. 1938

Beverly Chichester created ‘Walking Doll’ sometime during her lifetime, 1855 to 1995, using watercolor and graphite on paper. Chichester's doll offers us a glimpse into Victorian ideals of childhood, where toys like this one were designed not just for play but as instruments for socializing young girls. This doll, with its elaborate gown and delicate features, embodies the era's expectations of femininity and domesticity. But, there is a tension here - the doll is designed to walk, hinting at a desire for autonomy. The mechanics of this doll - the exposed workings on its back - also challenge the flawless image it presents from the front. The artwork invites us to consider the complex relationship between appearance and reality, performance and identity, and the societal pressures that shaped women’s lives during that time. The walking doll becomes a poignant symbol, reflecting both the constraints and subtle acts of resistance of its era.