Valley Of The Dolls In Latvia…Daugava River

Now this is subject that I know will split opinion…Dolls!

Pediophobia or a fear of dolls.

Sufferers should now proceed with…some degree of caution!

Princess Diana doll just one of 1,500.

As I will uncover in this feature places in the valley area of the Daugava River in Latgale,  Latvia where there are a pair of significant and possibly world class collections of dolls?

And I mean literally thousands of them, in two towns of  this region of the country.

Attic of the dolls Kraslava, Latvia.

Two quite different assortments.  One more off the shelf and the second more off the wall!

If you do love looking at dolls and miniature puppets then this destination will be for you and in some measure.

Royal dolls can you spot William and  Kate

Firstly, Olga Gribule has amassed 1,500 dolls of all sizes and styles.  These can be found on display on the third-floor gallery above the Krāslava region tourism information centre, at Kraslava Castle.

Dolls of all races make up the collection at Kraslava.

The collection is called, “When the childhood dream comes true”.

Dolls of all age groups at Kraslava.

This exclusive collection includes dolls from many world-famous artists and doll makers. Such as Franklin Mint, Franklin Heirloom, Maryse Nicole, Ashton Dark, Alberon, Leonardo, Vanity Fair, and Golden Keepsakes.

Many unique dolls are on display from that of royalty, like Princess Diana to native American all reproduced in greatest of detail. With miniature clothing to complement each subject featured.

Olga has a story about each individual doll.  Currently overseen by her mother as Olga now resides in the UK.

Certainly This Is A Valley Of The Dolls In Latvia

Secondly, this is the collection by the artist and doll maker Vladlena in the small town of Preili. Her hand-made creations are masterpieces of the art. And even some of her larger ones take her no longer than a week to make.

Dolls entertain the public in this valley of the dolls in Preili, Latvia.

Characters such as Mr Bean are reproduced complete with his teddy bear of course.  Pirate of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. A caricature of the Hollywood star expertly rendered by her.

Mr Bean on show in Preili.

She was once commissioned to make a doll as a gift to King Juan Carlos of Spain by the then, President of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Preili.

Her exhibition has grown into a mini fantasy kingdom within the town. As not only can visitors of all ages view the collection, they can even get more involved and dress as some of the creations.

Kids of all ages found time to dress up and join in as living dolls in Preili.

With over 500 costumes for both adults and children its possible to bring the place alive almost as living puppets.

Tailor measures up his customer!

Frantic fun for families and friends donning costumes as they get into the spirit of the place. Posing for photos or videos in the variety of photo-shoot locations. All created around the complex just for the visitors to snap each other dressed up.

Artist and doll creator Vladlena.

Dolls Come In All Sizes And Materials

Thirdly, another rather larger doll resides in this town, to be found less than 5 minutes away at Nester Custom Moto and Metal Art Gallery.

This funky gallery, café and workshop run by Alexander Nester.  Who’s, creations are not as cuddly as the former two had on display.

Metal doll by Alexander.

However, Alexander brings his master recycling talents to bear to create outstanding figures in polished metals that would otherwise have gone to waste.

In this flat ‘land of lakes’ and pine forests in the south east of Latvia not only are dolls appreciated but it also has its own distinct language. Although its highest hills are well under the definition of mountains.

Land of lakes and the Daugava River.

However, it does have heaps of creativity in its people.  For, pottery is a leading local skill.  With quality clay readily available almost straight out of the ground in the region.

A land of manor-houses, castles and church steeples, plus the meandering Daugava River. For many centuries the river was the most important transport corridor for the country.

And it also seems to provide a valley of the dolls in Latvia for the tourists of today!