A doll resembling Anne of Green Gables, humorously dubbed “Anne of Scream Gables,” has sparked social media buzz after being discovered at a Cape Breton thrift store. Despite the playful ridicule it received online, a Nova Scotia man revealed that the doll is actually a cherished artwork crafted by his late mother, which he hopes to reclaim.
The doll’s image was shared on October 17 in the Facebook group ThriftStore and GoodwillFind, boasting a distinct appearance with its intense gaze and iconic red braids. Andrew Danylewich, the man behind the revelation, expressed his surprise at stumbling upon the photo on his Facebook feed, acknowledging the lighthearted banter surrounding it.
Hailing from Liverpool, N.S., Danylewich is an artist and the owner of ADJA Studio and Gallery. The Anne Shirley doll was intricately fashioned by his mother, Heather Danylewich, an Ottawa-based artist known for her fabric creations, particularly elaborate fabric murals.
Heather’s specialization in soft sculpture artistry, predominantly using fabric, led to remarkable creations, such as a monumental wampum bird display at the Canadian Mint. According to Danylewich, the Anne doll was likely designed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, “Anne of Green Gables.”
Given the scarcity of surviving works due to the delicate nature of fabric art, Danylewich shared his quest to locate the Anne sculpture, emphasizing the sentimental value it holds. While the doll was no longer at the thrift store upon CBC News’ visit, Danylewich remains hopeful of its eventual retrieval for display at his gallery, or its enjoyment by its current possessor.