I repair and restore lots of different types of dolls, made from a variety of materials. Whether your doll is modern, vintage or antique, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to help. Some of the services I offer are described below.
​
Professional clean
I can provide a careful clean of vintage and antique composition dolls which must never get wet. Or I can ensure that your vintage plastic or vinyl doll is safe and hygienic for the next generation. I can also treat mould, mildew and rust. Even when your doll is not obviously grubby, a proper clean is essential to bring him or her back to life.
Restringing
Many vintage and antique dolls have limbs strung on elastic bands or elastic cord. Over time, elastic loses its stretch, causing the doll to become floppy. It can even disintegrate completely, leaving the doll in pieces. I’ll restring your doll with fresh elastic so that she sits and stands properly once again.
Repairs and replacements of parts
I can repair or replace damaged and missing limbs, torsos and even heads on a variety of dolls. This includes Tiny Tears with her ball-jointed arms and legs.
Eye repairs and replacements
Many dolls have ‘sleep eye’ mechanisms or capsules that rock open and closed. When the doll is laid down, her eyes close as if she were sleeping. I can repair eyes to get your doll ‘looking’ her best again. If the original eyes are beyond repair, I can provide and fit a range of replacement eyes.
Hair restoration and replacements
Some dolls just need their hair washed, softened and restyled. Others come to me with some or all their hair missing. I can re-root hair into the holes (or ‘plugs’) in a vinyl doll’s head, or I can fit a brand new wig for dolls made of other materials.
Paint restoration
​
I disguise cracks and previous repairs, and I can ‘touch up’ scuffed, faded or damaged paintwork.
Restoration of clothes and linens
​
I provide a careful wash and chemical soak to bring faded and age-stained clothing, bibs, and bedding back to life.
​
​
Clothes and accessories
​
I have a large ‘stash’ of modern, vintage and antique doll clothing and accessories in a variety of sizes. I’ll send you photos of whatever I have to fit your doll, and you can choose whatever you would like.
​Most dolls who come to the doll hospital need more than one of these services. I always quote for different tasks separately so you can choose according to your budget.
You can browse the gallery of ‘before and after’ photos to see more examples of my previous restorations.
The list above is by no means exhaustive, so if your doll needs something that’s not mentioned, please do ask when you request a quote.