Dollhouse collectables understand the needs of a conserving an antique. A doll becomes antique because of its rarity and exclusivity. Cloth dolls are one of the most delicate antique dolls. Certainly it can be protected by restoration, repairing and redressing. But it’s such a pity that while protecting it, one forget to conserve its integrity. Antiques are meant to be conserved and not to be renovated. Restoration is indeed a miserable term in context of cloth dolls. A fabulously redressed and flawlessly repaired antique cloth doll sadly loses its value and originality. Restoring leads to an unalterable modification that diminishes its authenticity.
A rare cloth doll collection is eked out of years of research and analysis. You guard your dolls like children. Antique cloth dolls are not merely for adornment, they are the mirrors of the past. It’s sensible to enclose them in boxes, rather than keeping in a susceptible dollhouse. Slightest of tampering can take her identity for-good. Don’t carry out permanent alterations. A little touch-up is acceptable but irreversible repairs shall not be made. Years of exposure deteriorate the fabric, making cloth doll extremely fragile. Despite this a damaged original cloth doll is more valuable than an ineptly restored cloth doll.
Don’t mend the doll for aesthetic reasons. It is not sensible. It’s logical take guidance from a qualified textile conservator. Do as little as possible on your level; make repairs where it is essential. You can also buy some reference books from online dollhouse websites or dollhouse stores. It’s unwise to demonstrate your artistic skills over an original antique cloth doll. Conserve these relics for the generation in making and allow them to witness an impartial image of their history.