Campus Oddities

October 16, 2009

If you know of something that has a great story, would make a great photo or is just plain weird and wonderful, please email us at ocn@usask.ca or call 966-6610.

A royal family

Once upon a time at the University of Saskatchewan, there existed the College of Home Economics.

The college was disestablished in 1990 but some of its handiwork remains, including an impressive doll collection featuring period costumes made by students.

The Guilford Collection of Costume Regalia was left to the Drama Department and can be viewed in display cases in the John Mitchell Building. The collection features about 50 distinct dolls in costumes dating back to the early days of ancient Rome and Egypt.

“The detail is astounding,” says Beverly Kobelsky, costume designer and instructor in the Department of Drama. “Every little accessory has been hand crafted, right down to the little pointy shoes.”

The Queen Elizabeth doll for example, in a circa 1580 costume, is eerily lifelike, from her mole right down to her wired petty-coat. The Henry VIII costume, says Kobelsky, is accurate right down to the facial hair and flat shoes made famous by the rather rotund King of England from the early 16th century.