Showing off rare or collectible images in a way that protects their condition without keeping them stored away permanently. A variety of protective measures can make it easy to share and store paper dolls without squashing the opportunity for creative display.
Caring for Antique Images
Used or worn antique and vintage paper dolls have often sustained wear and tear from years of play or storage. A little time and maintenance will help preserve the images from further damage by slowing the deterioration process.
Fold all tabs out straight again instead of leaving them bent; fold any bent limbs into a straight position carefully, then press the image for a short period beneath a stack of books to provide even weight. Even though the fold lines seem unsightly, pressing these images back into shape may help protect the damaged pieces from eventually breaking off.
A thin strip of paper glued discreetly to the back of less valuable image may help hold torn or nearly-torn pieces together and minimize the risk of losing loose parts of the doll. A similar technique can be used to join together broken halves of vintage images. Choose glues that leave minimal residue can be steam-removed at a later date if desired.
Binders and Slipcovers for Display
Clear plastic slipcovers are a perfect choice for safely displaying paper dolls. Unlike images framed behind glass, images displayed in book form are not exposed to sunlight on a daily basis; the quality and design of plastic slipcovers makes it unlikely the surface will stick or seal itself to the images.
Plain white paper or quality cardstock can be used as a backdrop for images. The static cling effect between the paper dolls and plastic should hold them in place for display, but collectors may prefer to use old-fashioned photograph tabs affixed to the backdrop to hedge images in place.
Clip the plastic pages into a three-ring binder for display. The paper dolls can be displayed on a coffee table or in a display case, inviting guests to flip through the collection and admire the images.
Storing Images Safely
Use folded acid-free sheets for storing images safely between displays. Fold a doll and its outfits within a single sheet and stack the pages within a storage shoebox. Each page can hold a different doll and its outfits, making it easy to sort and catalog the collection.
Creatively storing and displaying antique and vintage paper dolls shows off the collection at its best. From damaged dolls to pristine images, a good collection of vintage paper dolls is worth sharing through any safe methods of display available.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
Join the Conversation