Norman Rockwell character doll, Wilma, by Mary Moline
Wilma is an all-porcelain doll by artist, Mary Moline, made in Western Germany in 1981. As stated on the box, "This doll is one in a series of exclusive limited edition collectibles that authentically duplicate the 'true to life' detailing that Mr. Rockwell is remembered for. He endowed us with over 3,000 such portrayals of the yesterdays he wanted us to remember..."
Wilma depicts the African American girl in Rockwell's painting, "The Problem We All Live With." The 1963 painting illustrating school racial integration originally appeared in Look magazine in 1964.
The doll is further described in my book Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating Collecting and Experiencing the Passion on pages 287-288, as follows:
Illustration 603, Mary Moline, Wilma, 1981
Material: Porcelain
Height: 10-1/2in/26.67cm
Marks: 2557 (stamped on back of neck); ©MARY MOLINE/MADE IN W-GERMANY PPI/Nr. 5 (incised in back); Rumbleseat Dolls logo hangs from belt of dress
Hair/Eyes/Mouth: Black synthetic wig styled in three braids (two side braids and one in the center of the head)/brown stationary/closed
Clothing: White dress, slip, panties, socks, and vinyl sneakers; school books, ruler, pencils tied to left wrist
Other: Doll depicts the [1963] Norman Rockwell painting, “The Problem We All Live With,” of Ruby Bridges escorted to school by white federal marshals, walking past a wall defaced by racist graffiti. Ruby Bridges became the first black child to attend William Frantz Elementary School and the first African American child to attend a white school in Louisiana.
Additional Reading/Images:
The Problem We All Live With - The Truth About Rockwell's Painting
More About Ruby Bridges
Bridges with former elementary teacher
dbg
