Russell Williams (Basic and Ultra Basic)

Name: Russell Williams (Basic and Ultra Basic)

Made by and When: Tonner Doll Co.®, 2005 (Basic Russell) and 2008 (Ultra Basic Russell)

Material: Articulated vinyl, synthetic hair, spandex, cotton, and other fabrics

Marks: (Heads) ©2004 / TONNER DOLL CO. INC. (Lower back) ©2003 Tonner Doll / Company, Inc.

Height:  17 inches

Hair, Eyes, Mouths: Dark brown rooted hair and closed mouths with dimpled cheeks. The 2005 Basic Russell has brown-painted eyes. The 2008 Ultra Basic Russell has green-painted eyes.

Clothes: The 2005 Basic doll wears a white tee, plaid boxers, a white terry cloth bathrobe, and sandals (not worn in the gallery photo). The 2008 Ultra Basic Russell arrived wearing black spandex boxer shorts and is now redressed in a three-piece suit, a tie, black socks, and black loafers (see the last three gallery photos).

Other:  Russell Williams is part of the Matt O’Neill series by Robert Tonner. Russell was introduced as Matt’s friend and Esme’s boyfriend. Esme is a 16-inch African American doll by Robert Tonner from the Tyler Wentworth series. Russell’s articulation beyond the usual five points is above the abs, at the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Redressed Ultra Basic Russell’s three-piece suit, shirt, and tie were made by Debra Richardson from a Matt O’Neill clothing pattern. Matt O’Neill clothing ensembles that fit Russell Williams were sold separately.

Gallery (Basic Russell’s photos and details are from Black Dolls a Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion, courtesy of the late Ruth Manning.)

Basic and Ultra Basic Russell Williams (below)

Dressed Ultra Basic Russell Williams (below)

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