Teddy Bears and Dolls
Introduction
Teddy bears and other soft toys are among the most complex
of objects to care for. Since they first appeared, they have
been made from a wide variety of textile materials and also
incorporate cardboard, metal, wood and glass. All of these
materials have the potential to deteriorate and become weakened.
But the materials are only half the story. It's not so much
what teddy bears are made of, as what they are and what they
have become. It is a self-evident truth that washing a child's
teddy bear quickly renders it less desirable. Young children
have been known to outright reject favourite friends who have
been through the washing machine. So, as a first principle
with historic bears, respect the overall appearance and state,
and try to gain as much insight as possible into how it got
into its present condition.1 Be very wary of making
major repairs and restorations without good justification.
Dolls have a longer history than soft toys of the teddy variety,
but like them they have been made from a wide range of materials.
The traditional textiles, wood, metal and ceramics have been
replaced by a wide range of plastics. All these materials
have the potential to degrade. Plastics in particular present
special problems. Also, like soft toys, dolls become imbued
with something beyond their mere materials of fabrication.
They, too, should be dealt with judiciously so that the little
histories they embody may be preserved and respected.
Cleaning
Teddy bears are often over-cleaned in the domestic environment
on the mistaken assumption that they are unsanitary, and could
be carriers of disease. While research on endemic illnesses
carried or transmitted by teddies is rather sparse, it can
be stated that cases of such interspecies infection are rare.
In most cases, light dusting is all that is required. Hold
a piece of mesh screening over the teddy bear and vacuum-clean
through it, using a low level of suction if you have a vacuum
cleaner with a speed control. This careful treatment will
prevent loose pieces from becoming detached.
If it is possible to gain access to the interior, assess
the condition of the stuffing. This can be made from a wide
range of natural and synthetic materials, including wool,
cotton, wood shavings and wood wool. Because it is inside
the teddy bear, this material is not usually soiled. However,
it can become degraded and fail to do its function as stuffing.
On rare occasions it may also harbour insects or mould. If
this is the case, restuffing may be the only option.
The limbs and heads of some bears have swivelling joints.
These are sometimes made with cardboard and metal rivets.
Over a long period of use they can become worn and loose.
Treat these areas very carefully during cleaning. Sometimes
eyes and other features are attached with metal wires that
can work loose within the fabric and also corrode. Again,
take great care with these features because they may be loose.
Because some dolls, particularly earlier ones, are made mainly
from textile materials, it is common to wash them in the same
fashion as clothes. This treatment is usually too harsh for
heirlooms because the dyes can run and the fabrics have often
become weakened with time and use. Vacuum cleaning, as described
above, is sufficient in most cases.
Doll's heads, hands and feet have traditionally been made
of painted wood or ceramic. First determine what the parts
are made of. Painted wood can be cleaned by dusting with a
soft brush. Resistant stains can be removed by working gently
with a gum eraser. Do not rub too hard or the surface may
become over-cleaned in areas and look patchy. Only do this
if the paint had adhered well to the surface. If there is
any sign of flaking or cracking, cleaning will do further
damage.
Ceramic heads, hands and feet can be cleaned with a lightly
dampened cotton swab. Ensure that any painted designs are
well bonded. Moveable glass or plastic eyes should be cleaned
very cautiously. The eyes themselves are durable, but the
mechanism for holding them in place and causing them to move
can become detached if pressure is applied. Be very careful
when cleaning around eyelashes and eyebrows because they might
not be securely attached. The hair on doll's heads is often
glued in place. Over time the glue can become brittle and
adhere less well on the doll's head. Take care that the hair
does not become detached during cleaning.
Plastic-bodied dolls need to be assessed very carefully.
Some plastics are known to degrade seriously. The plasticizers
that are used during manufacturing to make the material flexible
can migrate to the surface. This results in an unpleasant
sticky surface, and a potential source of harm to those who
handle the doll, and will possibly stain clothes and jewellery.
Some plastics become brittle over time and are very susceptible
to cracking and breakage. Degraded plastics like these can
be harmful, so the advice of a conservator acquainted with
these materials should always be sought.
Handling
Because of the absorbent nature of their surfaces, soft toys
and dolls should be handled with clean hands and kept in a
dust-free place. If on display, a glass-fronted cabinet should
be used. Do not prop the toys in window ledges for display
because sunlight can damage their dyes and fabrics. When in
storage, wrap the item in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed
unbleached cotton muslin, and place it in an acid-free cardboard
or plastic box made from polyethylene or polypropylene. The
box should not be tightly sealed. It is better to allow acidic
materials from stuffing or vapours from plastics to diffuse
into the air.
Repair
Repairs during normal use must be distinguished from repairs
made to a retired soft toy. It is quite legitimate to make
ongoing repairs during the toy's normal working life, but
once any object has been designated by its owner as "historic,"
its status changes. Nevertheless, it is often necessary to
make minor repairs for stabilization. When reattaching loose
components, such as eyes and buttons, it is always advisable
to use a material similar to the one originally used if the
repair is visible. Cotton thread is the most common.
More extensive repairs should be done under the guidance
of a specialist. Doll and teddy bear restorers are quite widespread.
Ensure that the one you chose is acquainted with historic
material and knows how to deal with your heirlooms carefully
and safely.
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