doll

Life in a workhouse was designed to be oppressive and strict, ensuring it was the very last resort for the poor and infirm. Dolls such as these represent a rarely seen light hearted side of the system - play. Although basically constructed and painted, the dolls also evidence the skills found in the workhouse’s residents through their beautifully crafted clothes. This wood Dutch doll with her painted face is dressed as a young female inmate of the Thursford Workhouse (Walsingham Union); with the uniform of blue serge dress and white pinafore. This simple doll, however, would not remain in the workhouse with those who made her. She was given to the daughter of the Master of the workhouse as a Christmas present in 1899. Thursford Workhouse was designed by William Thorold and opened in 1838 at a cost of £5000; by 1930 it was used as a smallpox hospital. Workhouses continued in operation into the 20th century; the workhouse at Gressenhall closed in 1948.