Edith Samuel
Sculptor, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Doll Maker
Edith Samuel, born on 28 November 1907 in Essen, Germany, received her education at the School of Trades and Applied Arts, later Folkwang School of Design in Essen, Düsseldorf Art Academy.
As a doll maker, Edith Samuel created custom-made fabric portrait dolls as mementos for families who sent their children to safety outside of Germany due to the Nazi restrictions and persecution.
In 1939 she immigrated to British Mandate Palestine and settled in Rishon LeZion together with her sister Eva (Chava) Samuel and her brother, the composer Jochanan Samuel. She started creating dolls representing various cultures and segments of society, as well as small scenes depicting the young State of Israel.
Both in Germany and after emigration, Edith Samuel’s dolls reflect the life, cultural, and political history of her time.
Edith Samuel died in Rischon Le-Zion on 1 June 1 1964.
Edith Samuel with one of her dolls on the balcony of her parents’ house, Essen, ca. 1930; Old Synagogue Essen, Archive
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Edith Samuel with one of her dolls on the balcony of her parents’ house, Essen, ca. 1930; Old Synagogue Essen, Archive
