Name Tom Tierney | Role Artist | |
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Tom Tierney (October 8, 1928-July 12, 2014) was a noted American paper doll artist. He is credited with reviving with what has been described by The New York Times as "lost art" of paper doll making during his career which stretched from 1970s to his death in 2014. Over the course of his career, he sold over 4 million paper dolls and 400 paper doll books to readers all over the world, including one to Pope John Paul II.
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Early life and education
Tierney was born on October 8, 1928 in Beaumont, Texas. He began his art education at an early age, studying life drawing, landscapes, and still-life painting. He attended Lamar Junior College in 1945 and completed his education at the University of Texas, graduating in 1949 with a B.F.A. in painting and sculpture. During his time at the University of Texas, he also spent time studying frescoes at the University of Colorado.
Awards and honours
Death
Tierney died on July 12, 2014 at the age of 85 of lung cancer in Smithville, Texas. He had a Paper Doll Shop for many years on Main Street in downtown Smithville after leaving New York. His shop was downstairs while Mr. Tierney, known as Tom about town, lived in his upstairs apartment. He autographed all of his many Paper Doll Books which he sold until his death. His relatives kept the store open in memory of him until his supply of Vintage style paper ornaments and books sold out. Tom was a beloved citizen of Smithville, Texas ~ pop. 3,800.