Sandra Bilotto's bride doll, "Spring Promise," from "She Walks in Beauty" collection, Ashton Drake Galleries

View my eBay listing here.

"Spring Promise," a 21" porcelain doll sculpted by artist Sandra Bilotto, was released from the Ashton Drake Galleries in 1997. The edition for this doll ended in 2000.

"Spring Promise" has a porcelain head, hands, legs and bosom with a firmly-stuffed cloth body, synthetic wig in original styling, and comes with her original bouquet, veil, stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Her original box from the Ashton Drake Galleries is not available.

"Spring Promise" has been in my collection since my mother purchased her in 1997 from Ashton Drake. She has been carefully posed and displayed intermittently for the past 12 years in a non-smoking home. I have pet cats and birds, but they have only been in the general vicinity of this doll.

Sandra Bilotto is a talented doll artist who approaches her dolls as living beings. Her dolls have unique, life-like features and speaking eyes. "Spring Promise" has a unique Nordic beauty, with clear blue eyes, flaxen hair and natural makeup. Her veil has a unique lace-covered crown that attaches at the base of her head beneath her loose gathering of curls.

Sandra Bilotto creates a story for each of her dolls. This story is included in the booklet provided with "Spring Promise's" Certificate of Authenticity:

"It was a whirlwind courtship, and hectic schedules made it sometimes difficult to blend agendas. But true love overcame all obstacles, culminating in a spectacular spring wedding. Today, as the bride takes that first step down a carpeted aisle, her tulle covered organza skirt softly whispers promises for a glorious future. The fitted, lace-covered bodice falls into an exquisite basque waist, while a tip-of-the-shoulder neckline barely hides her emotion-filled heart. In her hand she holds a glorious spring bouquet overflowing with color. For this special day she wears her hair in cascading curls, artfully arranged around a lace covered crown and resting on a chapel length veil. Like the blossoms awakening beneath a warming sun, the spring bride welcomes her wedding day as yet another beginning."

 

"Spring Promise's" bouquet is an artfully-wrought collection of ribbon-crafted flowers gathered in a tulle-wrapped base. The colors suggest tender roses, hyacinth, daffodils and crocuses; gorgeous and fragrant flowers of spring.

"Spring Promise" will be mailed through USPS, packed carefully in white fleece in an oblong box with all items mentioned. Shipping will be with delivery confirmation and insurance where available. I will not submit a partial refund for this doll under any conditions. Any damage incurred during shipment must be settled with the USPS.

I will be listing the other three dolls from the "She Walks in Beauty" collection as well as other dolls by Sandra Bilotto , other bridal dolls from the Ashton Drake Galleries, and the exquisite Faberge brides from the Franklin Mint.