What happened to Lee Middleton Dolls & Madame Alexander Dolls?

In 2010 Madame Alexander Dolls purchased Lee Middleton Dolls.  Alexander Dolls may have had good intentions, but as a long time retailer of Middleton dolls, it was very frustrating and sad to see the Middleton babies put to the side in their priorities.  Dolls were scheduled to arrive the Summer of that year, but never were received until late October, November. The ASC dolls were made of a different vinyl and not accepted well by the lovers and collectors of  Middleton Dolls.  The next year were promises of better timing, but ended up being worst .  The Middleton Artist Studio Dolls were discontinued and the other products were even later, so late most retailer stopped stocking them.
In June of 2012 Alexander Dolls was sold to  KLL Dolls, (Kahn Lucas). Kahn Lucas main interest was the line of Alexander Favorite Friends Play Dolls. Favorite Friends dolls are 18" dolls similar to American Girls dolls, but at a lower price.  KLL continued with many of the other Alexander 8" collectibles and play dolls placing them in their displays in large retail stores. Only the Middleton Nursery Babies were continued, all others we were informed would not be continued.   As one of the top ten Middleton Retailers, it was a heart breaking time and the destruction of my and many dolls business that specialized in Middleton Dolls.
What I am Doing Now
In Spring of 2009 Middleton Dolls introduced a new line of Reborn Doll kits. Not only were they a success but they sparked my interest in Reborn Baby Dolls.  When the company closed I purchased the remaining stock of Reborn kits and decided to become a Reborn Artist.  After many years and many hours of practice I have accomplished that goal.  I now reborn the Middleton Doll kits, Secrist baby dolls, and Bountiful Babies. Babies are made to order, with your choice of eye and hair color.  My Blog now continues showing the finer art of reborn babies.

 Hope you will join us often

Pan Am Stewardess -

Pan Am Stewardesses - Inspired by  the New TV  show 'Pan Am'  that aired this winter on ABC. Being in my 60's I love watching this show, and gather a great deal of the life portrayed by the cast was not all fiction. Glamor, prestige, espionage, love, and stylish women.  Depicting a time when Air Travel was fun and exciting, when you dressed in your nice clothes and traveled in style.  Very un-like today's air travel where you feel like a herd of cattle.    I have read this show may have been cut-and not return for another season, which in my opinion would be a real shame!!

 There will probably be many dolls fashioned after these Pan Am Stewardesses, but Madame Alexander,  known for their impeccable detail in their clothing designs, will far out-do all others.  These two Pan Am Girls will be available come July 2012. The Blonde is a 16-inch Alex doll and the Brunette is a 10-inch Cissette Doll.   They are Limited Editions and will sell out very quickly.  You may pre-order to ensure receiving one of your own. Below is Alexander's detailed description of these Dolls: 

"Our Pan Am Stewardess Collectible Dolls are inspired by the stylish women who created the panache for which the airline is still know today, many years after the airline stopped flying.  Pan Am - the world famous airline was know for its world-class service, distinctive style, and its glamorous stewardesses. Those women who flew for Pan Am had a reputation for being the best looking in the business and no one ever failed to notice how impeccable groomed they were in their trademark "Pan Am Blue' outfits.  Alexander's two stewardesses meet the standard set by those flight attendants and present a look that would make any airline proud."

"Our 10-inch Stewardess (Edition size 200) is a fully-articulated Cissette with blue eyes and a black bob with bangs. And 16-inch fully- articulated Alex ( Edition size 150) with brown eyes and a side-parted ivory page boy, both wear the classic Pan Am stewardess outfit. Their fitted blue twill suit features black buttons on the jacket and sleeves, a white shirt attached to her slender-cut skirt and an organza scarf that's worn at the neck.  Her matching pillbox hat is trimmed with white satin piping and a Pan Am pin.  Includes classic White gloves; black pumps; pantyhose; a Pan Am "wing" pin on the jacket; and an iconic blue twill travel bag with blue grosgrain straps and the Pan Am logo.  Officially licensed by Pan American Airways". 
They are very reasonably priced at $139.95 and $169.95.

 

Marilyn Monroe -Some Like it Hot- Madame Alexander Cissy Doll

Madame Alexanders Hollywood Series doll -  Marilyn Monroe

 

Some Like it Hot: Marilyn Monroe as "Sugar' Kane Kowalczyk is played by 21-inch fully articulated Cissy with blue eyes and a side-parted, gay-gold chignon that has a loose curl accenting her right eye.  She's wearing a smokin' hot 20"s dress of off-white crinkle chiffon which dips to the waist in back.  The nude mesh bodice of the sexy dress is enhanced with embroidered beads, sequins and metallic silver lace while the body of the dress is rich with metallic silver 'cracked ice' and silver bugle beads.  A metallic silver applique on the left shoulder features strands of silver bugle beads that hang off the front and back of the shoulder.  Off-white stretch lace panties, a luxurious, white 'fur' stole lined in white satin, a silver bracelet, silver and rhinestone earrings and , white satin pumps, with a silver metallic mesh overlay plus silver beads, completes the hot look for Some Like it Hot: Marilyn Monroe As 'Sugar' Kane Kowalczyk who comes with a ukulete.  (Description by Alexander Dolls)
This 2011 Marilyn was introduced as part of the Alexander's Hollywood Series- with a limited edition of 75 pieces.  She is even more beautiful than her picture and is a definitely worth the $499 Alexander price tag. If you are a collector of Marilyn dolls she is a must have.
"Some like it Hot"- Tony Curtis as Joe AKA Shell Oil was announced as a two doll set but never arrived. Maybe at a later date.

 

Madame Alexander partners with Sonja Hartmann

 Blog posted to my old Blog site on May 12 2010
Announcing a New Partnership between World Famous German doll Designer Sonja Hartmann and Madame Alexander!

The Alexander Doll Company has announced that they are now the sole U.S. distributor of world famous doll designer and sculptor Sonja Hartmann’s exquisite 18″ Kidz ‘n’ Cats® collectible fashion dolls.  Many retailers have been successfully importing and selling Sonja’s creations  for years. Now Alexander Doll company can offer to their retailers easy access to the product being shipped directly from their New York warehouse.
Sonja Hartmann established her company, Heart and Soul in year 2000, but has been designing and sculpting dolls since 1981 when Sonja developed her first doll for her newborn daughter Gesa. Her Kidz ‘n’ Cats collection is inspired by children’s contemporary, fresh fashions and the jointed dolls look startlingly real.
The  Sonja Hartmann Kidz ‘n’ Cats dolls level of detail, quality and style are akin to the best of Madame Alexander. All the dolls are wigged with set-in eyes, eye lashes and a body that bends in nine  places. (neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees).  Upon viewing the dolls you can immediately appreciate what a world class German doll designer and sculptor Sonja really is.  The faces are exquisite, hair true to life and clothing fit for the best children boutiques.
The level of realistic detail on the doll and in the outfits makes these dolls true masterpieces. Alexander has introduced 12 dolls and 9 additional outfits to be available in stores June 2010.  To view and order dolls visit Quality Dolls web site. Doll are already in demand and the first shipment is selling out fast.  Pre-orders are recommended.
Madame Alexander states that this is the first time the company has imported another brand in its 87 year history.  Visit Quality-Dolls  at our www.lee-middleton-dolls.com site for Lee Middleton & Madame Alexander collectible and play dolls.

Middleton Doll Company Purchased by Alexander Doll Company

Blog posted on my old Blog site in March of 2010:


On March 11, 2010 the Middleton Doll Company was purchased by the Alexander Doll Company, aka- Madame Alexander® Dolls.
The business assets of Lee Middleton Dolls have been acquired by Alexander Doll Company. The acquisition was made official on Thursday, March 11, 2010.    CEO of Alexander Doll Company, Robert Porell states in press release, ” the shop and former factory in Belpre was not acquired as part of the business, but is under consideration as a separate purchase.”
As a Lee Middleton Doll retailer- collector- and lover of these unique artist sculpt dolls,  I am pleased that Alexander Dolls is planning to continue selling the Middleton dolls under the Lee Middleton Doll label.  The falling economy hit hard and  Middleton Dolls managed to introduce only eight  new Artist Studio Dolls  in Spring of 2009 -Lovebirds Twins, In Dreamland, Ireland, Blossom Fairy, Bunny Hugs, Baby Cassidy, & Sweet Jasmine and one doll in the fall Precious Hope an exclusive sold by Quality Dolls.
Middleton Doll Company placed a freeze on shipping stock from the warehouse on Tuesday the 9th. and plans to resume as soon as the two “book keeping’ systems can be worked out between the two companies. Middleton doll retailers are still waiting for information on what will happen next.
Playbabies and Newborn Nursery babies are being manufactured as soon as possible and should be available by late summer.  The manufacturing of the NOW (artist dolls for older children) and ASC  dolls (artist dolls for collectors)  is not known.  I have only heard speculation on the possibility of their return sometime next year.
There are many question that have not been answered, for I’m sure there are many decisions to be made.  I am trying to reserve judgment as to how this will effect the future of our ‘beautiful little babies’.  For the collector I see this as a time the value of the dolls introduced up to this point will climb.
This Blog is written and maintained by Susan of  Quality Dolls™.  Quality Dolls is listed by the Middleton Doll Company as one of their top 10 retailers. Quality Dolls offers the full current line of Lee Middleton dolls via of two websites;  www.lee-middleton-dolls.com and www.quality-dolls.com.
Our hope is to share with you reliable information with updates being posted as new information is made available.  Your comments and questions are welcome.

Dolls Dolls Dolls -A Gift your little girl will never forget.

Dolls, Dolls, Dolls my house is full of them.  I don't think there is a room (including the basement) that does not have a doll or a part of a doll, either in the process of being made, already displayed or boxed ready to ship.

My love of dolls started with my 'Tiny Tears' baby doll over 60 years ago. A baby doll you fed a bottle and she cried real tears. (why I wanted the baby to cry I don't know- I guess I  loved realism even then)  My next favorite was my Madame Alexander Bride doll I received around 1957 give or take a year.. I still have the Bride doll, with her wig replaced. (At some point in my teenager years I thought I was a beautician and cut her beautiful hair. Ruined her hair - gave quickly up that career goal.)    The original Tiny Tears was destroyed by mold,  (which was one of original flaws with the doll) but my daughter gifted me a replica made by Aston Drake a few Christmas's ago.  What a wonderful surprise and gift! 

Over the years I have collected dolls of famous people 'mostly women', or dolls that looked like or reminded me of family members.  So there is no real surprise that 5 years ago I became a doll retailer of Lee Middleton, and Madame Alexander dolls and now have expanded my horizons to Reborn Babies that I paint and assemble. The surprise is- it took me so long.
My purpose for this blog is to share the love of dolls, and my adventure in the world of the doll business. 

My Tiny Tears - Originally manufactured by the American Character Company. First introduced in 1950 made of rubber (that is why they did not last- the rubber rotted over time.) She cried real tears- as did a few other doll of that time. What made Tiny Tears different was that she was filled with water by placing her full bottle in her mouth and squeezing her left arm.  When you removed the empty bottle, squeezing her left arm again would make her shed tears. Below is a Magazine advertisement I found for Tiny Tears. The ad shows Tiny  blowing bubbles, being bathed, and getting a diaper change. Lead caption reads " A Gift your little girl will never forget" OH- How right they were!  I might add - I find that the same sentiment for the Middleton Dolls. 

My Bride Doll:  When I started selling Madame Alexander dolls I did not realize this doll was a Alexander doll.  She is not in the best shape- but looks better now that I have replaced her wig with a Auburn Jessica wig.  She no longer has her shoes, stocking or veil.  Her gown is satin with a crochet trim with rhinestones. Although I can not fine any information on her I believe she has a Margret Face. I can find no marking on her the only thing that tells me she an Alexander doll is the tag in the dress.  LOL - If anyone can shed any information on her it would be appreciated.

What is it about Lee Middleton Dolls that makes them so Special?

30 Years and Counting:

Lee Middleton Doll Company celebrates Thirty Years: Lee Middleton-Urick captured the beauty and innocence of childhood 30 years ago while sculpting at her kitchen table. Since then, Middleton Doll has introduced thousands of dolls in various skin tones, eye colors and sizes sculpted by many talented doll Artist.

Masterpiece of Realism:
Artist Studio Collection dolls are limited edition, hand numbered babies. They are styled as either infant, newborn or toddler body styles and made of soft ‘Baby Skin’ vinyl. Each doll sculpt is a masterpiece in itself capturing the very personality of the child it represents. They are hand painted, lashed, and exquisitely dressed. The dolls are so life-like that many have been mistaken as real babies. In fact the Breath of Life series dolls actually appears to breath. Dolls and/or individual faces are retired after a pre-defined amount of time to insure them as collectibles. Middleton babies reach right into your heart and hold it captive.

Personality Plus:
This life-likeness does not stop with the collector dolls, but carries over to the Middleton NOW and PlayBaby dolls designed for children. The NOW dolls are designed with the same three body styles as the ASC dolls. Each Middleton doll has a unique face and expression all their own. While other dolls companies manufacture dolls to have that perfect little look alike doll face with different hair or eye colors. Middleton NOW dolls have different face shapes, with different expressions. They not only have different color hair, but also different lengths, straight or curly and easily combed. NOW dolls come in light, medium and dark skin tones, some even of Asian decent. They come as girl or boy dolls styled for girls and boys to befriend. Boys you ask? --Well yes, boys need friend too.

Child Development:PlayBabies are styled for children in different stages- newborn, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2, 3 and 4 years. They also come with beautiful one of a kind faces, different skin tones, removable clothes, washable bodies and meet the best in safety standards. Your little girl or boy will learn how to love and nurture with these life-like babies.

Grandmother Approved:Lots of parents purchase Middleton dolls for their children, although I have found more dolls are purchased by Grandmothers for their Granddaughters. I think the reason for that is Grandparents do not think as much about pricing as they do about the quality. Grandmothers think of the memories the doll will hold for years to come and how that doll will become a keepsake and be cherished for many years after they themselves have passed-on.

Tradition Passed On:Lee Middleton died suddenly in 1997 of heart failure. A fellow doll Artist Reva Schick took over the company and just like Lee, Reva has a strong religious background and credits her artistic talents to God. Lee always tucked a tiny Bible into each ASC doll box and Reva has continued that tradition. Giving God honor, not only for their talent, but by passing on- Gods love through His Word.

What is so Special about Middleton dolls? - All of the above and when you hold your own doll or see your child interact with theirs you will truly understand why.

To see for yourself visit us at www.lee-middleton-dolls.com