I seem to be obsessed with politics and dolls, particularly after the ‘Friendship Doll’ talk
and my war time Father Christmas/Frost previous message.
I have just rediscovered my mother’s book published and given to her in 1944, obviously
produced after a travelling exhibition in England of French paper dolls in provincial
costumes to encourage love and solidarity for France after they were invaded. The
preface in the book says that the illustrations are from figures which were designed for an
Exhibition, “The Spirit of France”, circulated in Great Britain during 1943 and 1944 by the
Information Service of the Fighting French Forces.

What interested me was the fact that all eighteen plates are printed in lavish colour which
was not permitted to most printers. Presumably therefore it was Government propaganda
for the war effort and so had special permission.

I have yet to contact the French Embassy to find out more.
Best wishes to all, Olivia