"The Dolly Sisters" Marionette

"The Dolly Sisters" Marionette

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Description (Brief)
One of two dancing sisters that were created and used by puppeteer Donald Cordry in his 1931 production of "The Dolly Sisters". Hand carved out of wood, the faces of the two sisters are beautifully painted with bold stylized features. Both marionettes have red yarn hair and are wearing hats made of ostrich feathers. They are dressed in matching bright blue costumes, embellished with sequins and ruffles, beige tights, and blue high heeled shoes.
The story of the Dolly Sisters goes from riches and glory to despair. Identical twins Rosie and Jenny were born in Hungary in 1895, and emigrated to the United States with their parents in 1905. Talented dancers and actresses, the sisters were considered to be as cute as "two little dollies", hence the name "Dolly Sisters". Their careers in America included performing their act in vaudeville and starring on Broadway with Ziegfield's Follies. Known for their elaborate and lavish costumes and accessories and an outlandish life style the sisters became a social phenomenon. They moved to England and then France where they were courted by millionaires and royalty. But by the 1940s their looks had faded and their luck changed. One sister took her own life and the other died years later alone and in poverty.
Donald Cordry (1907-1978) was a well known and highly respected American artist, craftsman, and puppeteer of the 1920s and '30s. He was gifted with a great decorative sense and his craftsmanship was extraordinary. Born in Minnesota, Cordry attended the Minneapolis School of Art from 1924-1929 and after graduation he went to work for the Board of Education. While his main job was to lecture and teach classes, Cordry used the opportunity to create and perform his own puppet show with both hand puppets and marionettes. From late 1930 to early 1931 Cordry joined the Rufus Rose Company, owned by Rupert and Margo Rose that played the school and college circuit on the East coast.
In the summer of 1931 he traveled to Mexico where he developed a lifelong interest and dedication to the arts and landscape of Mexico. An avid collector of ethnographic material for over 40 years, Cordry amassed a large collection of indigenous Mexican arts and crafts which he meticulously documented and researched. His passion also included Native American cultures, and in the mid 1930s he worked at the Heye Museum of Indian Art in New York City where he cataloged and researched objects for the museum.
After returning to Minneapolis in late 1931, Cordry started creating his own puppets. He formed his own company and performed shows until 1934. The Dolly Sisters and The Three Wishes were popular with young and old audiences alike.
In June of 1934, Cordry moved to New York and worked with Tony Sarg, a well known and established puppeteer in his own right, and taught classes at Sarg's Summer School. Cordry made a number of puppets for Sarg and toured with his company from 1934-1936.
By 1937, poor health forced him to give up puppetry and he moved to Mexico. He did, however, continue his field research on indigenous peoples and later published two books: Mexican Indian Costumes (1968) and Mexican Masks (c 1980). The Three Wishes was Cordry's final production before he moved to Mexico with his wife.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
puppet
Date made
1930 - 1934
maker; user
Cordry, Donald
maker
Cordry, Donald
Associated Place
United States: New York, New York
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
fabric (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 24 in x 7 in; 60.96 cm x 17.78 cm
ID Number
1982.0238.065
accession number
1982.0238
catalog number
1982.0238.065
Credit Line
Dorothy Mann Cordry in memory of Donald Cordry
subject
Puppetry
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Puppets
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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