Doll News Dec 22, 2003
By John Medeiros

The World of FROUD-
Sideshow Toy's New Art Dolls

Art and Fantasy doll and figure lovers have a reason to celebrate.

Sideshow Collectibles has brought to life figurines based on the art of the 'World of Froud.' All of the figurine sculptures are based on original creations sculpted by Wendy Froud, and inspired by the art or Brian Froud. The sculptures are finely detailed, hand painted, hand crafted reproductions capturing the essence of these magical and graceful creatures.

Renowned artist Brian Froud and famed doll maker Wendy Froud bring to light a place that is often hidden to the mortal eye, the Realm of the Faery. Brian's detailed images capture the feeling of their world and Wendy's sculptures allow us a three dimensional glimpse of the expressive faces and mischievous natures of these Faery folks. Together their work conveys the beauty and wonder of the magical, illusive creatures that inhabit the gardens, forests and twilight.

Currently available are three Faeries and four Pixies. Early this year in February or March, two large 13" Faeries will be available.

The beautiful and serene looking Faery figures are sculpted of Polystone, a porcelain-like material that brings a quality feel to the collectibles. Their finely painted features, sheer fabric garments and gossamer wings make these magical sculptures irresistible. The fine hair used in the wigs is in scale to the 5-6" size of the figurines and adds to their delicate look. The Faeries come with leaf-shaped stands that add to their overall appeal. The bottoms of the bases are printed with the artist's signature, adding to their collectibility.

Faeries come in full colored, window box with a story for each one. Retail is $39.99.

Faeries of the Flowers are very common and can be found any place people delight in turning over the soil in their hands, working to make flowers grow. Seek them under briars, or in the quiet shade below the bushes. In the first light of morning they leap from bloom to bloom and where ever their small feet touch the petals, the plants become tall and filled with fragrance. At night, if you are very quiet, you may hear them singing all the plants to sleep within their beds.
Faeries of the Forest make their homes where good trees grow and pleasant breezes blow about the boughs. They often take the form of the glimmering lights floating slowly among the branches to help lead people back to the safe path when lost. They are Woodland guardians who watch over the creatures living in the wild places on the land, though even the smallest city park may have a faery or two keeping an eye on it.

Faeries of the Twilight are great singers, for it is their sweet voices that wake the stars at dusk and call the moon back into her orb after her long day's rest. The whole wide night is their bower yet they are hard to see in the dark. But on nights when the moon's light spills over the world, look for them by your window. It is there by the warm glass that they love to rest before dawn and lay a blessing on the sleep of all good people.

"The pixies are always full of mischievous energy while I'm sculpting them. They leap about on my work table, hiding my tools and pushing over paint pots. They never seem to want to hold the pose I've sculpted them in. In the end I usually have to go along with their wishes and let them be whatever they want to be. Luckily they're happy creatures and although they may cause a bit of mischief in your life, as well, they'll always do it with a sense of fun." - Wendy Froud

Pixies are a curious kind of Faery found in the West Country of Britain - Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall - but may appear any place where pranks and jests are practiced, a clean home is kept, or wild dancing is encouraged. If respected they can be kind to mortals, but even if shown a small discourtesy they are easily angered.

The four Tricksy Pixies: Gull, Mawmet, Pinkett and Grig all capture the essence of these little trouble makers. Pixies come in full colored, window box with a story for each Pixie.

These appealing little guys are also sculpted of Polystone, about 3" tall and even with there delicate look and limbs have a substantial feel to them. The painting is subtle and delightful (they have blushed bottoms) and they are marked Froud. Retail is $15.99.

I am really looking forward to the release of the 13" Day and Night Faeries. These are being produced in a very limited edition of 200 each and the prototype photos look gorgeous. Retail is $150 and pre-orders are being taken at sideshowtoy.com.

The World of Froud figurines can be found at select retail shops or ordered directly from www.sideshowtoy.com.