A while back, I received an email from a fellow doll artist, now a true friend, and I had no way of knowing the outreach and final lessons for me when I read his email.

By the Way - This is a picture of Fred and one of his dolls - to the left!

From Fred - (edited for long content)
Hi!
I read with interest your different articles and admire your enthusiasm. How long have you been in the doll business ? I create the one of a kind dolls that you mention and generally out of wood, however I do have a couple of porcelain people in a limited production . I started "yesterday" it seems although it has been since 1968.
I have been a wood carver professionally since 61... my interest in dolls has never waned and it is refreshing to come across an artist with FIRE.
The last time I was to go to a convention ,four of my dolls were entered and three won Blue ribbons and the fourth took a second simply because he was entered in the same category...That was the shining moment for me although I have had many.
... I wanted you to know I have been there. I am in a semi-retirement mode now but still produce, mostly for museums and advanced collectors. I'm in the advanced stages of muscular dystrophy so have to pace myself to limited hours. I also carve birds , mostly prey type because everyone else does ducks. But, my favorites are what I call THE AMERICAN CRAFTSMEN series ie, blacksmiths saddle makers,shoe makers,gunsmiths & yes even doll makers. I have shown photographs of these dolls and had them mistaken for real people. I would be delighted to hear from you if you can find time in your busy schedule to drop me a note.
Warmest regards ...
with sawdust in my beard....
Fred Thompson

Would you believe the Jumeau to the left to be a wood carving?

A short while later I received an email from Fred that said he was sending me a gift. Unprepared, I awaited the postal service and to my delight a "little lady" arrived one day. A wonderful wood carving, small, fully jointed wooden doll, a special gift, carved and painted by my new friend. In our emails he mentioned his Brus and a long-faced Jumeau, collectors items no doubt, but I had to see them. He sent me pictures which I hope you all will enjoy and appreciate. The craftsmanship required to produce these wonderful carved dolls is beyond my knowledge.

The Moral to the Story?
Not only did I meet a wonderful doll artist, but I met a friend.
Thank You Fred.

To see more of The World of Fred, a Wood Carver at his Best, and pictures of his commissioned carvings of The Crucifixion, Gethsemene, Moses and the Ten Commandments, painted ponies, and more; please visit His Bio

To find out where to find his highly collectible dolls, the museum that displays his dolls and collectible information, please visit our links page to: The Modesto Museum

His realistic Bru

Since Fred can no longer carve as much as he would wish, he has some "unfinished work" that he would like to share with you all. If you are a wood carver and a dollmaker, you might be interested in viewing his already-carved tiny jointed dolls at Freds tiny jointed wood carvings for dolls Fred says THANKS and so do I. Happy Dolling!!