Photography

Inside the World of Men and Dolls

Benita Marcussen photographed men who use life-size dolls as partners for her series “Men & Dolls.” Some are married with children, others had never had a relationship with a woman; the men’s situations varied, but she says one thing united them – the dolls eased their loneliness.

Robert and his doll Queen Cathy. She is named that way because she is treated like a queen in the doll community. (Benita Marcussen)

The dolls often have different faces to be able to change moods. This doll, Bianca, was used in the comedy-drama “Lars and the Real Girl,” starring Ryan Gosling. (Benita Marcussen)

“Shadowman” wakes up with his doll Carly at a Wales hotel. Carly is a “teddy-babe;” she is softer and lighter than a silicone doll and most often used for hugs and to sleep next to. (Benita Marcussen)

The silicone dolls are fragile and often get small injuries. This doll, Courtney, belongs to “Deerman” and was inspired by the looks of his wife after she died from cancer years ago. (Benita Marcussen)

The men have yearly doll conventions at the Llanthony Priory in southeastern Wales, where the men arrange photo shoots and excursions for their dolls. (Benita Marcussen)

A doll ready to be shipped from Abyss Creation in California. It takes an average 80 hours to make a silicone doll. (Benita Marcussen)

Carl, right, is 55 and lives in a big house with his parents, Geoffrey and Doreen, pictured, in Oxford, England. (Benita Marcussen)

“Baron von doll” with his doll Tania. Like many others in the doll community, he has chosen to stay anonymous because of negative reactions from society. (Benita Marcussen)

“Nescio50” and doll Lily live in Holland with three other dolls. He has never had a living girlfriend and says the dolls have a presence that helps ease the pain of loneliness. (Benita Marcussen)

Chris pushes his dolls Lala Salama and Sharon in a wheelchair in Pennsylvania. Sharon is a silicone doll and is too heavy to carry for long. (Benita Marcussen)

Everard carries his doll Anouska to a van to attend a conference for doll owners held once a year in the UK. Doll owners from all over the world meet to show off their dolls. (Benita Marcussen)

Teeth stored at Abyss Creation in California. Abyss Creation was the first factory in the world to make silicone dolls. (Benita Marcussen)

Chris and his two dolls, Lala Salama, left, meaning sweet dreams in Swahili, and Sharon, named after “Battlestar Galactica” character Lt. Sharon “Boomer” Valerii. (Benita Marcussen)

“Airgirluvr” puts his dolls Leah, Angela and Hannah in the back of a car. He is very private about his dolls and hasn’t shared his interest outside the doll community. (Benita Marcussen)