The Doll's Workshop

A red-haired Iris works in a workshop, painting the faces of porcelain dolls. She wants to become a real artist, but that’s hardly possible in Victorian England.

At night, Iris draws herself from life in front of the mirror. This causes a quarrel with her twin sister, and Iris abandons the doll workshop. On the streets of London, she meets the Pre-Raphaelite painter Louis. He offers Iris to become a live model—and in return he will teach her how to paint with oil paints. Her first painting featuring Iris becomes an event; her beautiful red hair captivates the Royal Academy of Arts. But she also gains a devoted admirer—Silas Reed, a quirky man from a shop of curiosities, an ardent collector.

Neither Louis nor Iris yet suspect what he truly wants: to make the girl a jewel in his collection.