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Mika Takami, Senior Textile Conservator at Historic Royal Palaces, explains some of the painstaking conservation work that has gone into each of Queen Victoria's own handmade dolls featured in the "Victoria Revealed" exhibition opening on March 26th.
Each of the dolls (132 in total, 12 of which are on display in the exhibition) were named, decorated, dressed and played with by Queen Victoria herself. Any signs of wear and tear from regular handling therefore pose a unique conservation dilemma. Whilst wanting to conserve the dolls, every stitch or brush stroke could represent Victoria's own handiwork, so a very delicate and minimalist approach had to be observed whilst preserving the dolls for future generations to enjoy.
Each of the dolls (132 in total, 12 of which are on display in the exhibition) were named, decorated, dressed and played with by Queen Victoria herself. Any signs of wear and tear from regular handling therefore pose a unique conservation dilemma. Whilst wanting to conserve the dolls, every stitch or brush stroke could represent Victoria's own handiwork, so a very delicate and minimalist approach had to be observed whilst preserving the dolls for future generations to enjoy.