American Family of the 1950s Paper Dolls

by Tom Tierney

The decade following World War II saw lifestyles and fashion take on a relaxed note—with blue jeans, sleeveless blouses, full skirts, and Bermuda shorts among the popular choices of apparel. Even on more formal occasions, a casual elegance was apparent: in women's sack chemises and dresses featuring large floral prints and in men's "wash-and-wear" suits, corduroy jackets, and slacks. Artist Tom Tierney captures the spirit of the fifties with this carefully researched, accurately detailed paper doll collection. Ten dolls depict three generations of a family—an elderly couple, their daughter and son-in-law, and six grandchildren. An eleventh figure is shown in a bridegroom's formal attire.
The family's wardrobe includes 31 costumes—ranging from beach wear and comfortable lounging outfits to dress suits for men and women and elegant formal attire for a family wedding. Outfits for the children generally follow adult styles, while a hula hoop and Davy Crockett coonskin hat typify amusements and fads of the period.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 1994

About the author

Tom Tierney was a prolific creator of paper doll books. He was trained as an artist and worked as an illustrator for department stores before turning to paper dolls in the 1970s.

"Meticulously drawn and colored, and annotated with historical information, Mr. Tierney’s paper-doll books are not just for children — and some are not for children at all. His aim, he often said, was to contribute to the visual literature of costume history," noted his New York Times obituary.

"Pope John Paul II, shown a copy of Mr. Tierney’s book about him by a visitor to the Vatican, blessed it and asked where he might get one of his own."