Bermudian Artist, Ronnie Chameau, nee Smith, was born on St.David’s Island at the eastern end of Bermuda. She was educated at St.David’s Primary School and St. George’s Secondary School. When Ronnie married, she and her husband, Michel, moved to Pembroke Parish where they continue to make their home. Michel is from Paris, France, which has become their second home.
Ronnie has been interested in arts and crafts from the young age of five.
In her art world, her medium was ink and watercolor, she has extended her art using bark from the banana tree to creates scenes.
In 1986, Ronnie revived the dying art of doll making. She hand crafts dolls from banana and palm leaves. Mrs. Marie Gleeson inspired Ronnie; unfortunately, Mrs. Gleeson did not pass her craft on to anyone. Ronnie in her later years decided to preserve the art of doll making which she continues to do today.
At Christmas, she makes Angels, Nativity Scenes and hanging ornaments all made from natural material.
Not to mention Ronnie’s dollhouse collection, she has built several dollhouses that are furnished with unique collection of miniatures. One of her dollhouses is a replica of Verdmont, the National Trust Museum in Smith’s Parish. It is on display in the garret at Verdmont.
Oprah Winfrey Is an owner of a Chameau Doll. At the Smithsonian Archives in Washington, D. C., there is a Chameau Angel, also a doll at The Mashantucket Pequot Museum in Connecticut. The former Premier, Dame. Jennifer Smith commissioned Ronnie to make dolls for baskets that were made up for dignitaries visiting the Island.
In 2001, Ronnie was presented “The Bermuda Gold Award” for her handcrafted souvenirs.
In May 2003, The Bermuda Philatelic Bureau was proud to present a stamp featuring two of the Chameau Dolls. This year they are featuring Christmas ornaments on a Stamp the first day cover is September 24th 2009
Ronnie is active as a Trustee in the St.David’s Historical Society, and the St David’s Islanders and Native Community.
Ronnie, has been featured in many local magazines, newspapers, and She has appeared on television and radio talking with Mr. Lopes about the St.David’s Calendar.
Below are Ronnie’s Banana dolls created only for The Bermuda Arts Centre. Each doll $85.00
I had two banana dolls that my dad gave me when he worked in
Bermuda in the 1940’s. I recently gave them to my granddaughters. My daughter and I just returned from a visit to Bermuda and I want to buy one for her. I saw one that I liked in St. George and when I went back, the store was closed.
Is there a way I can get one made? The one my dad gave me was 10 or 12″‘s tall. I like the simple ones, not necessarily that tall.
(I bought an angel, but I want a doll too.) Pat Marciniec
Hi Patricia . We have sent this along to Ronnie Chameau. She is the leading Banana Doll maker on the Island.
Hello, I am the Goddaughter of Marie Gleeson. Have many fond memories of ” Auntie Marie”, as I called her, stripping leaves, weaving shawls, making parasols, etc…..preparing to put her dolls together in her kitchen at Wistowe when I was a young girl. I remember her carrying her bags of items to take to her shop, catching the bus to St. George’s most every morning. Have at least 3 of her dolls, and a picture of her in her shop at Featherbed Alley. My grandmother was Lona Boorman, who was best friends with Marie, Willie, and their daughter, Dianne. She owned some of the cottages and property next to Wistowe and took good care of the Gleeson’s as they aged. Am happy that you were inspired by Marie’s trade, I was too. My family moved to the States, when I was about 6, so unfortunately I did not pick up the skill. Best Regards, Jenness Hastings
At the Bermuda Arts Centre Patrick.