Antique doll Lydia

We were commissioned by a private person to restore an antique (nameless) doll and matching pram to their former glory by designing matching clothing. We estimate that the doll dates from around 1900 and, considering its age, it is in very good condition.

In the meantime, we have given Lydia – the name we gave her – a set of clothes that befit her. Below is the step-by-step process used for Lydia.

Her body is filled with straw. At the vulnerable places, the covering fabric is torn or seriously damaged. This made it difficult to work with the doll so we decided to first make a new ‘sleeve’ for her body. We made this from strong linen which had a natural colour, namely beige.

We found antique shoes for Lydia which fitted her perfectly. They came from Duncan Ralph and were made around 1905. This was the name found on the cards that accompanied the shoes.

We decided to make the doll’s clothes using cream-coloured fabric. The ‘bonnet’ was made from the same fabrics that were used to create the dress and the long trousers.

We decided to create a dress that was in keeping with an example from 1900. It was made from cream cotton, to which we added a lot of cream-coloured lace.

As soon as we finished her costume, we gave her a lovely small wig with ringlets.

Our commission is almost fulfilled. Her left eye and part of her upper lip has been seriously damaged. With the utmost care we try to repair small damages with high quality paint.

To bring everything together, we made a matching cushion for the pram.

Lydia is now ready to be collected by her proud owner.