Cathie Lee originally provided cleaning, repairs and designing services. The Cathie Lee Doll Hospital was started by Cathie Lee Lipski and continued by her daughter Teresa Rankin. They also sell antique dolls, clothing, and accessories. Doll Hospital handles all kinds of repairs and restorations, including wig repairs or replacements, restringing, eye repairs or replacements, body repairs and more. Rubie, the 'Doll Doctor' has over 35 years of professional experience in doll restoration and costuming. The following companies have been in business for years, and have seen pretty much every type of doll out there.įorget Me Not Dolls repairs and restores dolls and offers seminars where you can learn to do the repairs yourself.

Do they have samples for you to examine?.

What types of dolls do they repair (1950s dolls are much different from 1890s dolls)?.

What kinds of repairs do they undertake?.

There are many doll repair businesses, so you should ask: Prices for repairs vary considerably, from under $100 to $1000 or more, depending upon the materials, time and techniques used. Before sending your doll, call or email and include photos and a description of your doll. If your antique doll is rare and valuable, or even if it is priceless only to you, have it repaired or conserved by a professional. Conservation would include treating an insect infestation, repairing broken or deteriorated strings before they cause more problems or resetting a loosened eye.

Conservation or stabilization means stopping a problem that has developed and preserving the current state of the doll.

This can be done with original materials, or with materials which mimic the original as closely as possible.

Restoration means bringing the doll back to its original condition including wigs and hair styling, clothing and facial features.

So, a broken arm might be glued back together or a wig could be cleaned and restyled.

Repairing an antique doll means fixing a part that is broken or damaged in some way.

Antique Sewing Machines: A Historical Look.

Pictures of Antique Mason Jars: Different Types at a Glance.Antique Dollhouses: The Beauty of Miniature Design.To deal with any of this, first you have to decide what you want to do with your doll: repair, restore, stabilize or conserve. Real hair wigs droop or are missing, noses are chipped, clothing is tattered, and the kid leather body might be leaking sand. Eventually the hugs, kisses and carriage rides translated into bumps, bruises and broken parts.

Like many toys, dolls often received a great deal of affection.

Realistic cracked doll makeup