Repairs And Prices
Clear Ranges Before The Doll Is Booked In
This page sets out the work Philotes Dolls can usually undertake, the typical costs, the current lead times and the work that will be refused before an appointment is made.
Service Register
Materials And Repairs Accepted
- Bisque
Hairline stabilisation, small chip infill, eye reset, pate work and sympathetic surface cleaning.
- Composition
Flaking consolidation, fills, colour matching, sealed finish and structural limb repairs.
- Wax
Surface cleaning, minor stabilisation and advice on heat-related distortion where treatment is safe.
- Hard Plastic And Early Vinyl
Elastic replacement, joint attention, cleaning trials and cautious repair to older material.
- Wigs And Eyes
Mohair wig removal, cleaning and resetting, replacement wig fitting, sleep-eye cleaning and rocker adjustment.
- Limbs, Costumes And Stands
Restringing, textile support, display stand padding and advice on safe storage after repair.
Price Table
Typical Workshop Charges
| Work | Typical Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Written condition assessment with treatment estimate | £28 for one doll, £12 for each additional doll assessed at the same appointment | Provided before restoration is agreed. |
| Simple re-stringing | £38 to £62 | Depends on size and limb count. |
| Eye reset or sleep-eye mechanism clean | £55 to £110 | Replacement rocker parts quoted separately. |
| Wig removal, cleaning and re-setting | £48 to £95 | Replacement mohair wig fitting from £82 plus the wig. |
| Bisque crack stabilisation and infill | £120 to £240 | For hairlines and small chips. Major head reconstruction is quoted after inspection. |
| Composition repair, fill, colour match and sealed finish | £160 to £420 | Depends on flaking and missing areas. |
| Full restoration programme for an heirloom doll | Typically £260 to £780 | Agreed in writing before work begins. |
Minimum workshop charge is £38. A 40% deposit is required to book any treatment over £150, with the balance due before collection or return postage.
Turnaround
Lead Times, Deposit Terms And Transport
Current Lead Time
Standard repairs are currently 6 to 10 weeks. Full restoration programmes are 12 to 18 weeks.
Sale Or Shipping Stabilisation
Urgent assessment for a doll about to be sold or shipped can usually be made within 5 working days for an additional £35.
Collection Radius
Local collection and return is available within 18 miles of Ludlow for £18 each way, covering Leominster, Tenbury Wells, Craven Arms, Church Stretton and Bridgnorth by arrangement.
Work Declined
Refusals Are Part Of The Method
- No reborn baby doll painting or contemporary silicone baby modification.
- No mass production repairs, toy safety certification or work intended to make a restored doll suitable for a child under 14.
- No undocumented repainting of antique faces where original paint survives and can be conserved.
- No ivory, tortoiseshell or restricted wildlife material work unless provenance is already documented.
- No valuation for insurance or probate. Clients are referred to a specialist valuer.
Before You Send
Packaging Instructions For Posted Dolls
Posted dolls must arrive in a rigid box with the head separately cushioned. Sleep eyes should be supported with a twist of acid-free tissue so they do not chatter against the plaster during the journey.
Do not include original stands, loose accessories or fragile costume pieces unless requested. Philotes Dolls returns by Royal Mail Special Delivery or Parcelforce 48 with insurance at cost.
Email Before Posting