Museums can be so straight at first sight. But it doesn’t take too long looking at these characters to realise that the one in a dress has rather impressive sideburns, mutton chops even. Subverting and celebrating at the same time ...

Encountered at lifesize, the unrealistic nature of these aspirational bodies is impossible to ignore. This special edition scaled-up version Barbie doll has a 21-inch waist, with a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.65. Were she a living woman, her body would fall into the underweight range. She is accompanied by …