Doll Diorama Tribute to Ruth Manning

Name: Doll Diorama Tribute to Ruth Manning

Made by and When: Debbie Garrett, 2012

Description: This diorama (a model representing a scene with three-dimensional objects) was created in tribute to doll enthusiast, Ruth Manning, who lost her battle with cancer in 2012. The diorama is fashioned after a photo of Ruth that was taken in 2003, which is included in the slideshow.

Using Mattel’s 1996 Olympic Gymnast Barbie because of the facial structure and articulation, the doll’s hair was shaved and rerooted with salt and pepper synthetic hair. The hair was then cut in a pixie style similar to the way Ruth’s hair grew back after several rounds of chemotherapy. The doll was dressed casually and a pair of gradient lens sunglasses were added.  The “Ruth” doll was placed in the seated position on a yellow couch where it holds a miniature doll that holds a doll. A bookshelf (made from corrugated cardboard covered with woodgrain contact paper) holds dolls and miniature doll reference books. The books were made from a photo of the real books, scaled to size, and printed on cardstock paper. A live-plant decorates the room and appropriately scaled artwork decorates the wall behind the couch. Pieces of tile flooring serve as the floor. The scene was set up against a real wall to add realism.

Slideshow (Use the right arrow to advance to the next image.)

_________

Your comments are valued. Donations aid the initiative to preserve Black-doll history. 

If you subscribe to DeeBeeGee’s Virtual Black Doll Museum™ by email, be sure to click the post title in the email, which links to the website to view all text and associated media. Please “like” and share this installation with your social media doll contacts. To subscribe, add your email address to the subscribe or sign-up field in the footer or right sidebar.