The Simpich
Peasant Collection
The Orgins of the Simpich Peasant Collection
In the summer of 1952, Bob and Jan Simpich got married and moved to Colorado straight away from their home state of Missouri. That first summer in Colorado left a real impression on my grandfather Robert (Bob) Simpich. He would often recount to me how they struggled to make ends meet. He would describe how he would sit on Main Street in Manitou and do quick portrait drawings for pocket change, and how he got a summer job driving tours up the Pikes Peak Highway while my Nana Jan worked hosiery at Hibbard's Department Store downtown. They were doing anything they could to make it to the fall when Robert Simpich would start his teaching position. I always noted how amazed my grandfather seemed that they made it through that first summer, and the glint of nostalgia in his eyes upon remembering it.
As Christmas approached, Bob and Jan knew that they couldn't afford Christmas gifts for their families back home, so they set out to create some instead. That Christmas, the Simpichs received the very first Simpich Carollers Collection, and Jan's parents, the Nicksons, received the very first Peasants Collection. In fact, the very first Simpich Character Doll ever completed was the woodsman, part of that first Peasants Collection. So to me, the Peasants really are as integral to the story of Simpich as the wonderful Carollers, and they reflect a very special kind of joy through adversity that I know was close to my grandparents' hearts.
Condition - Pristine
Apple Girl: Standing joyfully beside the Peddler, the Apple Girl clutches a shiny apple, her bright smile reflecting the innocence and charm of country life. Her playful demeanor adds a delightful touch to the set, making it even more endearing.
No Peasant Collection is complete without the Apple Girl.
From the Simpich Collection
Madame Baguette from the Peasant Collection captures the charm of rural life with timeless detail. Madame Baguette, the final and rarest Peasant design, is dressed in a shawl and hood, carrying freshly baked loaves of bread in her apron.
This doll is part of The Simpich Family Collection — a limited offering of original Simpich Character Dolls released directly from the personal holdings of the Simpich Family. These are not consigned or newly produced pieces, but dolls that have been cared for, displayed, or preserved by the family since the closing of the Simpich Doll Shop in 2007. Many originated from the former Simpich Museum or were inherited from Bob and Jan Simpich themselves. Each has been personally inspected and chosen for release by David, Debby, and Toby Simpich to ensure it represents the artistry, warmth, and spirit of the Simpich legacy.
While there may be future releases, very few pieces remain that the family is prepared to part with — making each offering from this collection a rare and heartfelt connection between the Simpich Family and the community that continues to celebrate their work. Every piece includes documentation verifying its origin from The Simpich Family Collection and is offered in its original, family-kept condition.
Condition - Pristine
Few Simpich figures capture character and soul quite like this Old Gentleman with Pipe. A beloved member of the Christmas Streetscape Series, this warm and richly detailed piece embodies the spirit of nostalgia and storytelling that defines Simpich artistry.
With his roots in the very origins of the Simpich Character Dolls, this figure—sometimes known as the Peasant Man—is an exceptional example of Robert Simpich’s unmatched attention to detail and his rare ability to sculpt a figure that feels like it’s lived a lifetime of stories. From the weathered, expressive face to the thoughtfully layered clothing—heavy black coat, wool trousers, tartan scarf, and soft cap—he radiates the quiet dignity of experience.
Cradling a small hand-carved pipe in one hand and caught in the gesture of conversation, this character adds unmatched warmth and realism to any Simpich collection. Whether displayed alone or as part of a larger Christmas scene, he offers a grounded, human touch that reminds us of the unseen characters who make the holidays—and history—what they are.
Browse Simpich Peasants:
Simpich Peasants Collection:
While the origins of the Peasant Collection go back to the very beginning of the Simpich Character Dolls in 1952, Bob and Jan Simpich didn't revisit the collection until 1977 with the Peasant Woman, and continued to expand the collection until releasing the final design, Madame Baguette, in 2002.
Condition - Pristine
A Part of the year round caroler set, the Peasants. This charming Apple Lady holding a basket of apples is a lovely creation by Jan Simpich, carrying forward the family’s cherished tradition of storytelling through doll-making. With exquisite craftsmanship and delicate detail, she reflects the humble beauty of rural life—her basket full of apples symbolizing the rewards of hard work and the bounty of the earth. Jan’s design captures a moment of quiet grace and warmth, honoring the simple, honest lives that inspired the Simpich legacy. Every carefully sculpted feature and hand-painted detail brings to life a character full of history and heart, making this piece a treasured keepsake for collectors and admirers alike.
Condition - Pristine
Few Simpich figures capture character and soul quite like this Old Gentleman with Pipe. A beloved member of the Christmas Streetscape Series, this warm and richly detailed piece embodies the spirit of nostalgia and storytelling that defines Simpich artistry.
With his roots in the very origins of the Simpich Character Dolls, this figure—sometimes known as the Peasant Man—is an exceptional example of Robert Simpich’s unmatched attention to detail and his rare ability to sculpt a figure that feels like it’s lived a lifetime of stories. From the weathered, expressive face to the thoughtfully layered clothing—heavy black coat, wool trousers, tartan scarf, and soft cap—he radiates the quiet dignity of experience.
Cradling a small hand-carved pipe in one hand and caught in the gesture of conversation, this character adds unmatched warmth and realism to any Simpich collection. Whether displayed alone or as part of a larger Christmas scene, he offers a grounded, human touch that reminds us of the unseen characters who make the holidays—and history—what they are.
Condition: Excellent
The Peasant Woman and Peasant Man Set from the Simpich Peasant Collection celebrates the beauty of simple, rustic life with timeless charm. The Peasant Woman is dressed in a delicately embroidered dress and carries a basket, leaning gently on her cane, while the Peasant Man dons a scarf and holds a pipe, exuding quiet dignity. Both figures are meticulously crafted with intricate details that bring their story to life, making this set a cherished addition to any collection.
Condition: Excellent
Madame Baguette from the Peasant Collection captures the charm of rural life with timeless detail. Madame Baguette, the final and rarest Peasant design, is dressed in a shawl and hood, carrying freshly baked loaves of bread in her apron.
Condition - Pristine
Apple Girl: Standing joyfully beside the Peddler, the Apple Girl clutches a shiny apple, her bright smile reflecting the innocence and charm of country life. Her playful demeanor adds a delightful touch to the set, making it even more endearing.
No Peasant Collection is complete without the Apple Girl.
From the Simpich Collection
Madame Baguette from the Peasant Collection captures the charm of rural life with timeless detail. Madame Baguette, the final and rarest Peasant design, is dressed in a shawl and hood, carrying freshly baked loaves of bread in her apron.
This doll is part of The Simpich Family Collection — a limited offering of original Simpich Character Dolls released directly from the personal holdings of the Simpich Family. These are not consigned or newly produced pieces, but dolls that have been cared for, displayed, or preserved by the family since the closing of the Simpich Doll Shop in 2007. Many originated from the former Simpich Museum or were inherited from Bob and Jan Simpich themselves. Each has been personally inspected and chosen for release by David, Debby, and Toby Simpich to ensure it represents the artistry, warmth, and spirit of the Simpich legacy.
While there may be future releases, very few pieces remain that the family is prepared to part with — making each offering from this collection a rare and heartfelt connection between the Simpich Family and the community that continues to celebrate their work. Every piece includes documentation verifying its origin from The Simpich Family Collection and is offered in its original, family-kept condition.
Get in touch with Toby Simpich
Whether you trying to choose which piece would be best to start with or you’re trying to find that final piece to complete your collection reach out using this form! This Collection can be one of the hardest to complete, and I would love to make that process easier for you!