Design Porn: RubyRuth Dolls

I have to confess, I found these dolls bloody terrifying when Sian, Sara and I were merrily browsing in the Southbank shop this week, but if Sian's look of joy was anything to go by, then plenty of other people will fall for these dolls too.

The thing that really got me, and the girls, was the handwritten label that went with each, giving a bit of character. Behold an example from the Southbank:

"Malcolm can often be found looking out to sea for answers." (Apart from the fact I actually do know a Mal, this all sounds very Alan Bennett Of The Dolls.)

They're made by Fine Arts graduate Jenny Mustill, who started off selling prototypes in Brick Lane in 2004 before they all rather took off. They're suitable for children and adults over 3 years. She also does some really lovely murals, but back to the dolls. Here are some of our favourite examples:

"Ruby is currently building a spaceship in her garden and is planning on taking her friends on holiday to the moon when it's finished."

"Derek is a festival veteran, he can remember when Glastonbury was free."

"Patsy recently tried speed dating but said it wasn't really her thing."

"Daniel was a known trouble maker in his youth but now prefers the quiet life."

"Brenda won Miss Cornwall in 1976."

Each doll is £25-35 plus £5 p&p from the RubyRuth shop, and there are many, many more dolls to peer at whimsically online and in IRL shops too.