The sentimental nature of childhood heirlooms makes them a popular guest in our studio. Whether it is a treasured doll or teddy bear, our conservators and experts work together to achieve a professional and stable result. As we primarily use conservation treatments and techniques, soft toy restoration ensures treasured playmates return to their owners safe in the knowledge that they will be well-preserved for generations to come.
Above: a variety of antique soft toys and teddy bears, in the centre is a miniature portrait of a young boy with his toy rabbit
This was the case with a papier-mâché and cloth monkey called Salty, he had been the much-loved companion of our client Peter since 1939. As well as being brought back to life based on original pictures of his appearance, Salty received a new pipe, scarf, jacket, hat and concertina – all accurately handmade by our specialists. This article will explore the history of soft toys just like Salty, as well as the ways in which soft toy restoration is carried out with sensitive techniques.
A short history of soft toys
By the end of the 19th century, the concept of childhood as a time to be treasured and enjoyed came into full effect. Children of all backgrounds were now gaining access to school and were no longer expected to immediately form part of the workforce or transform so quickly into miniature adults as they were in the past. Part of this cultural and societal shift saw toy makers have a boom in trade as parents of all classes seek out gifts to bring enrichment and comfort.
Above: photographs of children with their teddy bears in the late 19th / early 20th century
This desire combined with an ever growing number of zoos and fascination with natural history during the late Victorian and Edwardian era. After visiting a natural history museum, farm or zoo, children would intensely desire to bring these marvellous animals home with them. As a mixture of education and entertainment, toy animals were the perfect souvenir.
Above: early 20th century stuffed animals including a version of Peter Rabbit, a dog on lead and classic Steiff teddy bear
Traditionally, the first company to have an impact in the history of soft toy animals is Steiff. Founded in 1880, their first ‘toy’ was in fact sold as a pin cushion. At the turn of the century, manufacturers in Germany, the United Kingdom and USA had begun to compete in this thriving new industry. The popularity of bears stems from a story about Teddy Roosevelt, known for his enthusiasm for hunting wild animals. The illustration that followed a particular bear hunting incident inspired designers to create the first ‘Teddy’ bears.
Above: vintage photographs featuring soft toys and teddy bears
The 20th century saw the first commercialised children’s characters and merchandise, in 1903 Peter Rabbit became the first fictional character to become a soft toy. Stuffed bears and animals became characters in their own right thanks to A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh in the 1920s. By the mid to late 20th century, the most popular soft toys had a crossover with literature, television or film franchises.
Today, the most popular bears and soft toys in the antiques market have been created by the following brands:
Steiff
Merrythought
Farnell
Deans
Hermann
Chiltern
Chad Valley
Helvetic
Knickerbocker
Above: children playing with toy animals in the early 20th century
Caring for antique soft toys
Most forms of soft toy are fairly recent in terms of their age, usually spanning no further back than the latter half of the 19th century. This gives them some advantage when compared to fragile historic textiles, yet they may have their own issues due to the mixture of different materials, the conditions they have been kept in and signs of their prior practical use. The most sought after toys are often connected to well-known manufacturers such as Steiff. However, many examples from the early 20th century can be appealing to collectors and museums when presented in their best condition.
Above: antique teddy bears with typical signs of deteriorating textiles
Significant issues facing textile antiques of any kind are the emergence of holes and tears, becoming worse over time as the fabric becomes brittle. These areas can be mended professionally by using precise stitching techniques and fabric sourced to match the original appearance as closely as possible. It is important to resolve these issues to ensure the toy does not deteriorate further as the tear creates instability and loss of stuffing.
Above: a group of soft toys from the early 20th century
Untreated dust, dirt and staining may cause issues if left for long periods of time, especially when it is caught between the fibres of original mohair fur. Atmospheric contaminants of the past may include acidic elements such as fireplace smoke or nicotine, as well as chemical cleaning solutions that have been left to sit on the surface. High humidity and damp conditions such as those found in an attic or shed may also cause rotting textiles. Rot can sometimes sit within the toy, destroying the fabric from the inside out. Stuffing is sometimes made from organic materials like straw, which may naturally deteriorate over time. All of these aspects can be checked and treated by a conservator.
Above: mid century toys in need of sensitive cleaning and professional care
Even areas of minor discolouration should be cleaned by a professional and not by methods at home. Household cleaning products may include chemicals that can destroy the antique materials over time, especially if there are aspects of papier-mâché. Re-stuffing areas should always be carried out with minimal intervention, using conservation-safe materials to ensure preservation.
Above: an antique soft toy dog, deer and mechanical bear balancing a ball
To avoid rot and contaminants, always keep valuable and sentimentally important toys in a clean and level environment. If the toy has just been purchased or discovered in storage, place it with moth balls for a few nights to ensure there is no hidden infestation. If you find signs of pests, always contact a professional textiles conservator for swift intervention.
Above: a group of vintage hand puppets made of papier-mache and textiles
Salty the sailor monkey
The story of Salty begins in the late 1930s, in an era dominated by the second world war. Whilst the trade in soft toys had a significant boom in the 1910s and 1920s, the industry came to almost a complete standstill due to the conflict in Europe, the economic downturn, and military drafting of men who might have otherwise been supplying and running children’s toy shops.
With this in mind, it is likely that Salty was created entirely by hand rather than a larger manufacturer. His facial features, uniform and overall appearance take strong inspiration from popular monkey toys and illustrations of the era – though he appears to be one-of-a-kind when researched against his contemporaries.
“As it is our intention to bequeath this doll to the Victoria and Albert or other major toy museum there is a need to have this doll accurately restored by professional restorers to as close as possible as it is shown in the existing photographs.”
Our skilled restorer Dean spent several weeks working with Salty, repairing his body and face based on an original photograph of the toy with his owner in the 1930s. His classic expression had been altered over time and certain aspects had been lost. Dean recreated the facial features, as well as the intricate paper concertina. Our team also reproduced Salty’s sailor suit, hat and pipe, bringing him fully back to life.
“Salty has also settled in nicely and looks resplendent in all his new clothes. We were absolutely delighted with all aspects of the work that you undertook for us. We could not have been more pleased with both the restoration and the clothing. We would have no hesitation in contacting you if we have any more work of this kind in the future.”
How can we help?
If you have any questions about soft toy restoration and conservation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. As part of our service we offer a nationwide collection and delivery service as well as information on worldwide shipping to our studio. E-mail us via info@fineart-restoration.com or call 0207 112 7576 for more information.
