Building a Collection of Porcelain Dolls
Copyright (c) 2010 Ian Campbell
You might imagine that using a famously fine and delicate material to make a child’s plaything is an act of madness, but for many years dolls make of porcelain were the norm.
These vintage dolls are, for obvious reasons, rare and valuable collectibles, particularly when they survive in good condition. Unglazed porcelain is known as bisque and has a more lifelike appearance than the shiny white of a porcelain-headed doll. However, now that dolls for children can be made of much hardier materials, porcelain dolls are still made as collectibles aimed at adults who love the quality and nostalgia of which they are redolent.
Collecting antique dolls is rewarding and a good collection, well displayed can be a charming addition to your home, particularly if you favor a cottage chic look or have antique furniture on which to display them. Modern porcelain dolls are designed specifically with adult collectors in mind; they are often costumed in replica period clothing to give a convincing appearance of having survived undamaged for an earlier time.
To collect antique dolls you’ll need to keep your eyes open and be aware of a diamond in the rough when scouting yard sales and thrift stores – it’s possible to restore dolls to something like their original condition with a little care, although you should be aware that repairs, no matter how sympathetic can reduce the value of a Victorian example of a porcelain doll. The usual hunting grounds should be scoured; antique stores and auctions being the best place to start. Do look out for job lots of mixed children’s toys which might hide a valuable example or a damaged doll that can be made to look as good as new.
Modern dolls are sold in department stores and also on the internet. Manufacturers encourage collectors to shell out more cash with limited edition ranges which command a premium price, designs tend towards the nostalgic.
Some well known porcelain doll manufacturers are Marie Osmond, Paradise Valleys, Showstopper and Doll Artisan Guild.
Some are sold as “blanks”, offering the collector to decorate the face to their own specification, adding a whole new dimension to your hobby.
For something really special, you can even commission a one-off porcelain doll to your specifications, perhaps to commemorate a new addition to the family.
The Original Doll Artist Council of America has an excellent website listing doll artists and showing examples of their work and prices. If you want to commission your own original doll, or just get an idea of what sort of porcelain dolls are available from modern makers it’s an ideal first stop in starting your porcelain doll collection.
About the Author
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