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The Doll Factory: Episode 2

The Doll Factory

Episode 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Doll Factory, Episode 2

Iris and her sister Rose continue to work at the Doll Shop and dream of escape.

Working for the formidable Mrs Salter at her doll emporium, the Whittle sisters dream of escape. Meanwhile, Silas Reed the taxidermist is also in the mood for a change of scenery.

Set in London 1850 -1851 at the time of The Great Exhibition, The Doll Factory follows the story of a young woman called Iris who we first meet painting the faces of tiny porcelain dolls. 

Iris burns to become an artist but her modest upbringing and strict working class parents have always meant  this seem to be little more than a dream. She lives with her twin sister, Rose, in a room above a doll shop in Regent Street. When a chance encounter offers the glimpse of a new life she is ready to embrace it. 

In Episode 2, Iris and her sister Rose dream of an escape from the Doll Shop. 


Written by Elizabeth MacNeal
Read by Louise Brealey
Abridged by Isobel Creed and Lizzie Davies
Produced by Lizzie Davies
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Set in Victorian London, Elisabeth MacNeal's novel tells the story of a young doll painter

Set in Victorian London, Elisabeth MacNeal's novel follows the story of a young woman called Iris - a porcelain-doll painter who burns to become an artist. Read by Louise Brealey.

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