John R. Burbidge was born in 1922 in Massachusetts, where he was raised. He attended the New England School of Art until he was drafted into the army. After serving in the military during World War II, he returned to complete his studies and graduated from the New England School of Art in 1948. That same year he joined the renowned bridal firm of Priscilla of Boston, for which he designed wedding gowns until he retired in 1988. In 1978, looking for an escape from the "white-and-ivory bridal world," he began to work on his collection of Les Petites Dames de Mode. He has displayed his authentically costumed mannequins in museums all around the country, and is a frequent lecturer on the topic of costume. Mr.

Burbidge is a member of the Costume Society of America, the Costume Society of England and the United Federation of Doll Clubs.