Welcome to the Dollhouse: Sydney’s Doll Hospital Marks a Century of Repairing Childrens’ Toys

The third-generation family business has been repairing dolls, teddy bears, rocking horses and antique toys of all types for 100 years.

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Established in 1913 by Harold Chapman, Jr., the Doll hospital is now managed by Geoff Chapman, the third generation of the family to run the business which this year celebrates 100 years of repairing all types of dolls, teddy bears, rocking horses, umbrellas, prams and various other items.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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Dolls’ heads on display at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital in Bexley, New South Wales.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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Piles of doll body parts at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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Body parts of dolls hang to dry after painting.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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Gail Grainger works on a doll at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital in Bexley, Feb. 19, 2013.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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An old style doll at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

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Gail Grainger works on a doll at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital in Bexley, Feb. 19, 2013.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Spare doll heads at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

A sign hangs over discarded doll body parts in a waste pile.

The Sydney Doll Hospital Centenary

Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Dolls for sale on display at Sydney’s Original Doll Hospital.