Welcome to the Beach Doll Hospital on the oceanfront. Over 17 years ago, JoAnn Mathias had a dream to open a business to restore those old babies of past eras to their former beauty.

Doll Doctors should be called doll restoration artists as it takes an artistic ability to restore a doll to its former beauty but still maintain the integrity of the doll. My philosophy is to do as  little repairs to a doll as necessary but to insure that the  doll will survive many more generations of loving. With attention to detail, it is possible to just do a small repair such as replace a missing finger while leaving the majority of the original paint intact on the hand. In selecting a doll doctor, know that person’s qualifications, ask for a reference and be sure to get a signed contract. A professional doll doctor will appreciate your questions and concerns with the restoration of your doll.

Invisible Repair and Reversible Restoration

Most doll doctors speak of "invisible repair" and any good doll doctor should be doing restoration work that is basically invisible, that is the restoration cannot be seen from the outside.  More importantly, the restoration should be a "perfect match" to the old paint.  We strive hard to develop that perfect match but all new paint placed on a restoration will begin ageing and consequently minute changes begin immediately.  At some point later following a restoration, a repair may need to be tinted over  to maintain that perfect match.  Absolutely no one or any material is not affected by these facts.  As professionals, we are more comfortable with the term "perfect match".

Reversible restoration is the use of modern materials and paints that can be removed so a new restoration can be applied.  Materials used in our restorations can be reversed so the new repair can be accomplished without compromising the integrity of the doll.  These materials do not contain any oils or waxes which can damage the wood base on composition dolls.

Specializing in bisque, papier mache and china dolls  including:

Free estimates for repairs are available except for insurance claims. In order to make an accurate estimate, JoAnn must be able to do an in-hospital exam on your doll. Before sending your doll, please remove any clothing. Follow the instructions below on shipping your doll and include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Include $15.00 check made out to the Beach Doll Hospital to cover shipping your doll back to you.

A written estimate will be sent to you with two copies, one for you to sign and return to JoAnn and one for you to keep. Before, during and after restoration pictures will be taken and are included in the estimate.

A deposit of half of the estimate is required before restoration work can commence. The remaining amount is due when the work is completed and before the doll is returned to you.

A Study in Composition Restoration

                     Before                           Parts prepped and sealed for painting

    Flesh color, hair and blusher added          Old body used as pattern for new

             Features repainted                                  Ready to go home to Momma

Restoring Antique Bisque Head

   Arriving at doll hospital                It's like putting together a zigsaw puzzle

             Repainting completed and eyes reset                                Wig restored

                                                                                                   New Costume

I am now accepting composition, antique bisque, papier mache,

and china dolls for restoration.

Waiting time for return of restored

dolls is about a year. 

Shipping Your Dolls

Be aware of the value of your doll. Make sure the doll is insured for its replacement value. The doll will be insured for its return to you at the current Blue Book Value. Take pictures of the doll before shipment for insurance purposes.

Proper packing of your doll is a must! A disposable baby diaper is ideal for wrapping the head. Protect sleep eyes in bisque dolls by stuffing head with tissue.  Use bubble wrap or other light weight material to pad the box. You can use a box in a box to insure proper handling. Mark the box as FRAGILE - DO NOT CRUSH. If in doubt about packing your doll, have a shipping business pack it for you.

The Beach Doll Hospital and JoAnn Mathias are not responsible for damage to the doll during shipment to the Hospital or on return. If properly packed and insured, this should not be a problem.

Please contact JoAnn either by phone or e-mail before shipping your doll to insure that the doll hospital is open.

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