Traditionally toys for children, dolls are also collected by adults for their nostalgic value, beauty, historical importance or financial value.
Seeing something of a resurgence, the Doll Collectors Club of NSW Inc based in Granville, started with only eight in 1978 but has now grown to over 400 members.
And according to club president Kim Jackson, collectors get involved for many reasons.
“Some collectors scour the globe for antique dolls from England, Italy and Germany which are worth lots of money or others, like our treasurer Briannan Tallon, collects the stylised, modern dolls that are ball-jointed and popular among Anime fans,” she said.
“Another member, Olivia Power, is our expert on American Girl dolls which are popular among the young, while our designer Jozef Szekeres has created a line of Glamour Oz fashion dolls.”
Kim said that while doll collecting was an ‘old world’ kind of hobby, they also create ‘therapy dolls’ for modern specialist treatments.
“Many people who come to dolls, also like to sew; it can be fun having a Barbie doll dressed in a Victorian outfit or vice versa,” she said.
By paying a $75 joining fee and then an annual fee of $50, you become a member and can visit their Aladdin’s Cave of dolls on the first Saturday of the month for their sales and meetings from noon at Granville Town Hall.
“We also have a members only auction this Saturday, September 3; join on the day and experience many benefits such as picking up beautiful dolls for a fraction of the price,” Kim said.
More info: dollclubnsw.com.au or 0411 040 015.
Aladdin’s Cave of treasure awaiting anyone who’s keen to get dolled up
DOLLS have played a central role in magic and religious rituals, even used to represent deities, since ancient times.