Simpich Dolls

Founded in 1952 by artists Bob and Jan Simpich, the company known as Simpich Character Dolls, Ltd., created iconic Americana-style figurine dolls. The characters in their doll lines have included historical and mythological figures; Christmas-themed dolls like carolers, angels, and Santas; and even storybook figures such as Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, and Pecos Bill. Jan and Bob retired in early 2007, after closing down their studio in the Old Colorado City Historic Commercial District in Colorado Springs. The couple made their first dolls from found materials because they couldn’t afford store-bought Christmas gifts. Bob was known for making grandfatherly dolls such as elder elves or "End of the Line Santa" while Jan specialized in delicate, youthful dolls like "The Standing Angel." Their sons David and Ragan Simpich also contributed many dolls to the family-business's inventory. Growing up learning the doll-making process, the Simpiches' son David, with the help of his wife, Debby, took his knowledge and applied it to marionettes. In the mid-1980s, the couple established the Simpich Marionette Theatre in Colorado Springs as an extension of his parents' doll company, which developed original and award-winning productions. After his folks retired, David and his puppeteer family began to perform at Mount Saint Francis Auditorium and on the road employing his 200 hand-made marionette dolls.