For over five decades, Ann’s Hair Salon served as a beacon of warmth and hospitality in Shantalla, one of Galway’s oldest suburbs. Ann Connolly's souvenir doll collection spans continents and cultures, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our world. Through her generosity, the dolls that once brought smiles to the faces of her clients and their children now serve as inspiration for children and all ages across Ireland.

For Heritage Week 2024, Lauren Kavanagh, Museum of Childhood Ireland Collections Team, presents her research online and in-person on the collection.

In exploring the collection, you're invited to reflect on the power of community, routes, networks, beauty of connections, diversity, and the enduring spirit of Ann Connolly, whose love and kindness continue to resonate.

Souvenir dolls are much more than simple toys; they are intricate embodiments of cultural identity and tradition. The dolls have been symbols of travel for generations, serving as tangible reminders of holidays or brought home as gifts. The dolls encapsulate the culture of a region, offering a snapshot of its identity through details and craftsmanship. Whether dressed in traditional clothing, posed mid-dance, or representing jobs and musical traditions, these dolls tell the stories of the places they originate from. Ann's collection of dolls is a vivid testament to this cultural expression, showcasing the diverse and rich heritage of nations from around the world.

Join us on August 21st (1-3pm) at Bloomfield's, Dúnlaoghaire. Hear about Lauren's research informally, bring your souvenir doll and share your story too!
The majority of the dolls in the Ann Connolly collection are dressed in national costumes, which is the most prevalent way that culture is portrayed through these dolls. While the majority of national outfits are not immediately identifiable on their own, many of these dolls have additional regional accessories that give them a distinctive identity.

As seen through Ann Connolly’s extensive collection, souvenir dolls can encapsulate the diversity and richness of cultures from around the world, offering a tangible connection to the places they represent. Whether through traditional attire, symbolic hats, folk dances, or representations of occupations and animals, these dolls tell the stories of their regions with remarkable detail and craftsmanship.

However, the collection also highlights the complexities of cultural representation, particularly in the portrayal of ethnic minorities and the commercialisation of indigenous cultures. While these dolls serve as valuable educational tools and reminders of global diversity, they also prompt important conversations about authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the ethics of cultural souvenirs. This collection is a testament to the enduring power of dolls as cultural artefacts, preserving and celebrating the unique heritage of cultures across the globe.

Find the research for Heritage Week 2024 and photographs of the collection online here: https://museumofchildhood.ie/ann-connolly-collection/

Details of our other 3 Heritage Week 2024 events, and previous Heritage Week Events here: https://museumofchildhood.ie/heritage-week/

Islandwide – Diaspora, Historic – Contemporary, Museum of Children and Childhood, founded 2018. Charity number: 20205452. The Museum of Childhood Ireland's website can be found here: https://museumofchildhood.ie/

Address
Bloomfields Shopping Centre, Dúnlaoghaire, Co Dublin, Co. Dublin – Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown