Fran's broken papier mache doll was featured in February for our "Can This Doll Be Saved" series. Fran has done a great job in keeping this girl together for another generation to enjoy.Usually we like to leave antiques alone and let them wear their stories, but some stories need happier endings. Repairing papier maches is a little more involved than stitching a seam back together that's come loose on a cloth doll. Fran glued the broken papier mache doll head together and gave her an eye while leaving as much of the original painting as possible.
Before above, after below.
Here they are side by side
And here she is after wearing a lovely pink dress, with her head together and has an eye replacement as well. Fran says, "I didn't try to change her just save her. I read a article from a 1984 doll reader concerning how much was to much restoration. I did the minimal and sometime in her future I hope her next owner will like her the way she is. I do plan on antiquing the painted spot once it has hardened."
Fran did a great job retaining as much as she could of the original doll.
