Today we enjoyed a sunny interlude between rainy days (we are expecting another wet one tomorrow). We did, however splash our way to the recycling centre with 13 more bags of garden refuse, and are beginning to catch up with Martin’s collection.
Some 45 years ago I bought Becky a cluster of Russian dolls from a shop in Piccadilly arcade. Her own daughter, Flo played with them during her childhood.
In 2009 I bought Jackie a set from a stall in the precinct of St James’s Church, Piccadilly.
She now plays with them with Flo’s daughter, Ellie, as she did today.
Except that the pizza was pepperoni, this evening’s dinner was the same as yesterday with similar beverages.
Precious moments.
Lovely photos of moments to cherish. The dolls are beautiful, too. Jackie looks like she dressed to match.
Thank you very much, Merril. Quite coincidental, but well spotted
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The first time I encountered these dolls was in Sitka, Alaska, where there’s a significant Ukrainian population. I really loved them; they were beautifully done. I decided against a purchase, but I’ve always remembered that first glimpse fondly.
Thanks very much, Linda. Fascinating information
A beautiful scene and a tradition worth passing down through the generation.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
I’ve always loved Russian dolls! Jackie’s are beautifully decorated.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I love Russian dolls. I didn’t have them as a child, but when my adult son returned from a year in Prague, he gave me a beautiful set. Like Jackie, I began to play with them with my grandkids. Gently when they were Ellie’s age, then we played “put them together quickly” as each grandkid got older. Now it’s a contest and we time each other (even at the ages of 11-15). A couple of years ago my daughter put a special “Russian doll” set in my Christmas stocking – the Beatles. š
I agree with Merril -Jackie is dressed perfectly and matches the dolls.
Thanks very much, Pam – a lovely family story
Wonderful, my Dad loved collecting these. I was fascinated by them as a child
Thanks very much, Gary
I had a set given to me by a relative who was half Russian… i lost them. Jackie’s set look so beautiful
Thank you very much, Mimi
These matryoshkas are exquisite, much more refined than the classic ones.
Thank you so mush, Dolly, As far as I remember the stall holder was selling her own craftwork.
That could be, but the original design was supposed to represent a rosy-cheeked peasant “matron,” thus “matryoshka.” The colors were approved by the Tzar himself.
Thanks very much, Dolly
Lovely that the two girls can now play together. Russian dolls can be a lot of fun.
Thank you very much, Pat
P.S. Clicked the wrong button before I was ready to send.
Jackie herself is dressed as a matryoshka ready to be presented to Tzar Alexander II who founded and supported folk arts and crafts and approved the very first matryoshka design. It is also a wonderful toy for toddlers as it helps develop fine motor skills.
Thank you so much, again, Dolly. Fascinating additional information.
My pleasure, Derrick. I know that most people think that matryoshkas, Palekh chests, Khokhloma bowls and spoons, etc. are ancient folk crafts, but they were all commissioned by the tzar and designed by professional artists at the end of 19th century.
Thank you so much for this clarification, Dolly
My pleasure,Derrick.
It is very good to see dolls with a long life. So many things get broken and discarded.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
I loved to play with the Russian dolls when I was little. Wonderful photos, Derrick!
Thank you so much, Jill
I love Russian dolls, so cute! Very precious moments for Ellie and your family too. ????ā¤ļø????????
Thank you so much, John
Youāre welcome, Derrick. āŗļøāŗļø
Gorgeous photos of Jackie playing with Ellie
We have a set of Russian Dolls here. It is the first thing that our grandson reaches for when he visits (and he is now 8)! <3
Thank you very much, Donna. That is lovely X
Great memories, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Barbara
Beautiful photos, Derrick! I have a set of Russian dolls that my godmother had bought in the USSR (as it then was) and gave to me at Christmas when I was very small.
Thank you very much, Clare
The dolls are so interesting. I did not know they made them that tiny! Jackie’s shirt goes nicely with the dolls decorative clothing. š
Well spotted, JoAnna. Thanks very much
Now, Ellie is enjoying them. How nice!
Thank you very much, Arlene
How wonderful that the collection is still in such great condition to be enjoyed by yet another generation!
hank you so much, Rosaliene
Gorgeous pictures, Derrick. That is a lovely set of Russian dolls. Mine pales in comparison.
Thank you very much, Robbie. Yours must have had too much sun š
Iām sure they have ????
What fun!
Thanks very much, Anne
Such a great toy for Flo’s daughter! Educational, beautiful, and fun.
Thank you very much, Nicki
I had matryoshka dolls when I was little too š They are too cute!
That is a word I didn’t know. Thank you very much, Ribana
You have reminded me that I also have a set of Russian dolls, and that I haven’t seen them since before the house renovations after Graham died.
Thanks very much, Sue
Babies are so lovely!! We all melt inside as soon as we see them.
Thank you very much, John
So wonderful! Nesting dolls (and toys) are such fun to play with at all ages. š
I still find the teeniest-tiniest-doll the most fascinating! š
When I taught at Montessori Schools we used the nesting dolls…preschoolers loved the surprise of all the dolls…they liked putting the dolls in order according to size. The dolls helped the kids to understand spatial relationships, develop fine-motor coordination, build the language of comparison (big, bigger, biggest, small, smaller, smallest), as well as prepositions (inside, outside, under, over), learning to count, make up stories, have dialogues, etc. The dolls, also, give kids the opportunity to concretely experience the concept of a whole object that can have many individual parts nestled within. š
(((HUGS))) ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
A beautiful description Carolyn. Thank you very much X
Aaah! Most little girls seem fascinated by the concept of Russian dolls. I know I was, although I didn’t own a set.
Here in Spain, we seem to be enjoying an ‘Indian summer…’ and very welcome it is too, although -logically – we badly need rain… Cheers.
Much appreciated, Joy
Hi Derrek, Aah! Little – and larger …’girls’ seem fascinated by Russian dolls. I too was very taken with the concept. Great fun! Cheers,
I bought one for my granddaughter when I was in Moscow. It frightened her and was immediately put away.
Oh dear. Thanks a lot, Andrew
What a cool tradition.
Thank you very much, Andy
How nice that the Russian dolls have become a tradition. Wonderful photos of Jackie and Ellie.
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
A beautiful set of Russian dolls. Little Ellie is lucky to have doting great-grandparents like you and Jackie. You have captured both their expressions with love, Derrick. You are certainly leaving a wonderful legacy of photos and stories for her to enjoy!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Russian nesting dolls, oh these memories. I had an own set once – along time ago. They are fascinating to kids. I am glad Ellie had fun with them.
Thank you very much, Bridget
Charming set of nesting dolls
Thanks very much – especially for the big catch-up, Sheree
My pleasure Derrick