Kathrine Leach Doll Collection

The Breckenridge Fine Arts Center welcomes you to the Kathryn Leach Doll Collection.  The collection, consisting of nearly 750 dolls is housed in 1300 square feet and represents a lifetime expression of love and devotion not only for dolls, but for children as well.  It is the Fine Arts Center's wish that each visitor experience some of the nostalgic innocence of his or her childhood,  and at the same time, gain an insight into the beautiful spirit of Kathryn Coye Leach.

When she was 16 years old, Kathryn accompanied her parents on a trip to Europe, where she purchased a few dolls.  These purchases reinforced her already intense interest in dolls, thus beginning a lifetime of collecting.

Each doll is a collector's item, with some dating Circa 1860.  Many were acquired on the Leachs' extensive travels through the United States and abroad; others were gifts from friends.

Of special interest in the doll museum is a collection which consists of nine miniature rooms displaying Lilliputian furnishings and dolls.

In 1992, the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center was chosen by Kathryn and Julian Leach of Fort Worth, Texas, as the permanent home for Mrs. Leach's lifetime collection.

Mrs. Leach was awarded the United Federation Doll Clubs Inc. Award of Excellence for the Protection and Preservation of Dolls.  The national award was announced at the annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 1994.