Wally Lee

Wally Lee is a handmade doll, composed of paper-mâché and wood, as well as some handmade clothing and a small straw hat, originally owned by a professional bull rider as a child (where he gets his name - short for Wallace Lee).  Following his untimely death in the ring, the doll was gifted by the rider’s mother to a close friend, and it is said that the rider’s spirit became attached to the figure. The doll is crafted in the likeness of one of the rider’s favorite childhood characters, preserving both the physical and emotional imprint of its original owner.

Unlike many artifacts in the collection, Wally exudes a cheerful and playful energy. He appears to delight in moments of surprise, employing various methods to engage and startle those nearby. Wally may extend his shadow from his resting place, whistle to attract attention, or, when other approaches fail, leap onto laps or cross walkways to create direct interaction. He frequently shifts position within his favored spot on the display cabinet, seemingly adjusting to better observe and participate in the activities around him.

Wally Lee has become one of the most affectionate presences in the collection. His energy is interactive, observant, and consistently playful, offering a sense of companionship and levity amidst the otherwise unsettling artifacts. Visitors are often charmed by his antics, yet his constant presence serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between spirit and object, and of the joyful essence that can remain tethered to a physical form long after its original owner has passed.