UFDC 77th Annual Convention
Alicia & Charles Carver
About The Carvers
Alicia and Charles Carver are acclaimed wooden doll artists celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and historical inspiration. Working together as a dynamic husband-and-wife team, they have dedicated their artistic careers to reviving and reimagining the timeless tradition of carved wooden dolls. Drawing on centuries-old European techniques, the Carvers are known for creating dolls that beautifully balance authenticity with originality, transforming each figure into both a work of art and a treasured collectible of the future.
Their work often pays homage to antique wooden dolls such as early grodnertals while infusing each piece with fresh perspective, exquisite painting, and finely tailored costuming. Every doll carved by Alicia and Charles reflects their shared passion for history, artistry, and storytelling, resulting in creations cherished by collectors around the world.
For the 2026 UFDC Convention, the Carvers present “Josephine” and her companion “Napoleon,” a pair of hand-carved wooden dolls inspired by the elegance of Empress Josephine Bonaparte and her famed consort. With these memorable souvenirs, Alicia and Charles continue their legacy of celebrating the charm of antique-inspired dolls while ensuring that their art will stand as heirlooms and future antiques for generations to come.
Josephine Bonaparte
From the moment Carol Cameron announced to us that the 2026 convention would be in New Orleans, we knew the convention souvenir doll had to be of French origin.
There had been a doll from Carol’s collection that had always intrigued us. It was a rather pretty and early Grodnertal. She was the perfect size - 9 inches - and had unusual modeling with large eyes and a shy smile. Carol was gracious to let us use her for our inspiration doll. The next step was the easy one. Who was an elegant influential French lady, pretty, and who lived during the early 1800’s? None other than Josephine Bonaparte.
Our version of Josephine has uncommon brown hair with tiny little curls framing and cascading all around her face, a gold crown, a muslin slip and the quintessential empire waisted silk chemise dress with gold trims, puff sleeves and sheer undersleeves that she made popular during her reign.
We present you The Carvers’ Josephine Bonaparte, the timeless neoclassical goddess who revolutionized French fashion.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The souvenir companion was an obvious decision because who is Josephine without Napoleon? Making men dolls is always a bigger challenge with sometimes having to make as many as four prototypes before settling on a final version.
We decided on a younger Napoleon to accompany our youthful Josephine. Here is the vibrant young man in 1800 as Premier Consul of France prior to his metamorphosis into the embattled Emperor. His full head of tousled dark brown hair frame his slender and chiseled face. He sports the ceremonial dress of a red wool waistcoat and short trousers trimmed with elaborate gold embellishments, his black boots adorned with gold tassels, and his gold sword. His hat is a faithful recreation of his famous black felt bicorn hat with an early French cockade wearing it the way he always wore it “en Bataille” with the corns parallel to his shoulders.
We present you the young Napoleon, already well on his way to becoming one of the most famous French General Commanders.
This distinguished wooden doll of young Napoleon Bonaparte will be offered in a limited release at a price of $795. Collectors will have the opportunity to secure their piece either by ordering online or completing the order form presented in the Winter 2026 issue of DOLL NEWS. With its rarity and historical significance, this edition promises to become a treasured addition to the most discerning collections.
Celebrating Dolls of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
New Orleans, Louisiana ‐ July 28-August 1, 2026
