Victorian Angel Doll Hospital: Doll Restore and Repair, Lynchburg VA

These are the doll parts that were saved over the years. The legs had become detatched from the body because the fasteners had become rusted and fell off. It needs to be restrung and rewired. The kid leather body is still in good condition, only a little soiled. The china lower arms and hands are not broken.

But, she needs a head. I searched the internet for this type of doll in order to determine the kind of head I needed. I found that I would need a bisque head with a shoulder plate that fits over the top of the doll body. This made it even harder, as now I had to have a head that was not only the correct type and size, but it had to fit correctly on this type of body. Very difficult to do online. Not only that, but it's very hard to find the heads. As you can imagine, antique bisque heads are scarce since they are breakable. I could find the bodies with no head, but I was beginning to think I'd have to buy a complete doll just to get a head. I finally looked in the phone book and found the Victorian Doll Hospital (the only local listing for doll repair!). I called and talked to Kathleen. She said she happened to have a head and I gave her the measurements of the doll. She said she thinks it will fit and to bring the doll over to try it.

Here she is, all finished and beautiful! I will tell you, it was very emotional to finally see her with a head and dressed so prettily, after 80 years of parts stored in a box.

She even has pretty lace stockings, white shoes, and ruffles on her petticote and pantaloons.

Now Mom's doll has a pretty face and long brown curls!

Kathleen is the "Angel" that repaired and dressed the doll.

I suprised my Mom with her doll! I didn't tell her the doll was finished. I went for a visit and told her I had an early birthday present for her. She will be 89 years old in August (this is July). I made her sit in a chair and close her eyes until I brought it in...then open her eyes. It was a priceless moment. We were both in tears. I still tear up to think of it. She was so happy! She has wanted to have this doll repaired for so many years.

Mom doesn't remember what her doll's name was, but she has now named her Mary Kathleen. Mary after her own Mom and Kathleen after the lady that "brought her back to life". As a coincidence, Kathleen's first name is also Mary! Kathleen is indeed a Victorian Angel!