Doll Preservation

Produced by Arleen Niblett July 20, 2006

for presentation toJust About Dolls Club

The Basics

Definitions

• Preservation – to keep from harm or damage; to protect the doll in it’s current state.

• Conservation – halt further deterioration of a doll in it’s current state.

• Restoration – bring back to a former condition.

Preservation: The Foundation

Knowledge: the foundation that allows you to make intelligent decisions. Factors for you to consider:– Identification– Value– Rarity– Material / type of construction– Evaluate condition

Preservation: The Basics

• The important factors – Temperature – Humidity– Light– Insects and rodents– Dust and dirt– Proper Storage– Careful display– Careful handling

Baby Chris – Early 1960’sKellogs cereal promotion.

Temperature

• Your dolls will be comfortable at the same temperatures that you find comfortable – approx 65 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Attics, garages, sheds, and basements

Humidity

• Know your doll – some dolls react to humidity changes more then others.

• Avoid overly dry places, such as near heating sources.

• Avoid overly humid places, such as bath rooms and kitchens.

• The subject of humidity relative to different types of dolls will be discussed in future sessions.

Light

• Keep your dolls out of natural light.

• Artificial light can also be damaging– Consider using

• Indirect light from incandescent bulbs • Lights that are used only when someone is viewing

the dolls• UV filters for your fluorescent bulbs

Insects, Rodents

• Isolate newly acquired dolls until you are sure they are insect free.

• Don’t attract insects– No starch in doll clothing– Avoid transfer of oils from hands– Don’t store with food

• Inspect your dolls regularly. • The subject of treating insect infestations

will be discussed in future sessions.

Carpet Beetles

Firebrats

Silverfishcockroach

Dust and Dirt

• Protect your dolls from dust and dirt by keeping them in a closed cabinet.

• Tools to remove dust: – Mini vacuum– Soft brushes– Compressed air

• Avoid pollution – such as wood shelf finishes that out-gas, strong fumes

• Avoid handling when wearing hand cream

Preservation Through Proper Storage

The more you value a doll, the more careful you should be about storage conditions.

Avoid extreme temperatures – hot attics and damp basements are notorious doll killers.

Avoid cardboard boxes – use ventilated inert plastic containers with acid free tissue paper or chemical free cotton cloth.

Protect against insects and rodents. Carpet beetles, moths, cockroaches, silverfish and firebrats are common pests. Store sleep eye dolls face down.Consider thinning your collection if you do not have proper

storage space.

Storing New Dolls

• You Must Decide: often not an easy decision– Deboxing vs storing in original box

• Original packaging may harm doll long term

– Undressing vs storing dressed doll• Some dyes may transfer to doll• Garments may be better protected if stored flat or gently

rolled in acid free tissue paper (avoid creases)

– Saving all boxes, certificates, hang tags• Good idea if you have storage space• Set up an organized system• Protect boxes from crushing and dirt (there’s no need to

store them if you don’t do it properly!)

Preservation Through Careful Display Techniques

Doll stands frequently damage dolls. Be very careful and consider the following:

Proper size – waist and height

Secure – avoid accidental falls

Avoid putting stress on doll

Avoid bare metal stands

Learn proper technique for placing and removing doll from stand.

Never place doll on bare wood

Preservation Through Careful Handling

• Always assume that the string holding a doll together may break at any moment– Hold the head of a strung doll in your hand when you

pick it up and try to support the total doll evenly.• Be aware that limbs, especially legs, can flop

around with risk of breakage. • Never pick a doll up by an arm or a leg. • Always ask permission before picking up a doll

that does not belong to you. • If mailing a doll, learn to pack it safely.

Future Programs• Future programs will:

– Expand the basic concepts of preservation• Specific requirements for different materials

– Discuss conservation • Fixing an existing problem with the goal of preventing

further deterioration. – Reset eyes that have fallen out

– Restring a doll

– Eliminate an insect infestation

– Preventing hairline cracks from spreading

– Discuss restoration• Replacing, fixing or improving something with the goal

of returning the doll to a more original condition.