Why People Become 'Doll Collectors'
I just began collecting dolls several months ago. I have already amassed almost 100 of them. Each one is beautiful and unique in it's own way, adorning a face and make-up, as well as clothing, that differentiates it from all the others surrounding it.
Since I began collecting in this short time, I've had so many people ask me different questions about this hobby. When I tell people I collect dolls some just imagine a room full of creepy Victorian porcelain dolls (which is not what I collect) or they just look at me like I'm crazy and ask something silly like, 'So you play with toys?' The answer to that question is, well sorta but not in the childish way.
I will touch more on how doll collectors initiate various ways of creative play with their dolls later in a future post. For now, I wanted to touch on why people become doll collectors. As in, what makes them gravitate toward dolls? What is the appeal? And why?
Reasons People Begin Collecting Dolls
Many people start collecting dolls because they remind them of their childhood or a specific time in their life that holds fond memories. They may collect dolls they used to have as a child. In particular, many doll collectors state that they find an original copy of the very first doll they ever received (as a child) for their collection! I can vouch for this. My favorite dollhouse as a child was a vintage Calico Critters two story house. It was home to a mama rabbit and her two little colorful tiny baby rabbits. I remember being in grade school and I absolutely could not wait to get home each evening to play with that little house. Some days I'd play for hours! As an adult, the first formal toy I bought in my collection was a Calico Critters house. Except this time, it's four stories...and it's loaded with furniture and currently has 10 family members...it also sports a cute little cruiser!
2. Appreciation For Artistry
Dolls can be incredibly detailed and beautifully designed, making them appealing to those who appreciate craftsmanship and artistry. This can include anything from the actual painted detail of a dolls face, to it's handmade clothes, or even the brand or original artist who created the doll. Many collectors look at one, or all, of these aspects when choosing pieces for their collections. I collect mostly ball jointed dolls. There are some Barbies in my collection but very few. Ball jointed dolls are usually hand-painted, their clothes are hand-made, they have wigs and glass eyes (both of which may be changed). So, when I choose a doll I do so first by whether or not I find it visually appealing. Second, I look for the individual hand-painted details. Also, it's great fun to begin a doll from scratch and totally create a character yourself from the bottom up.
3. Emotional Connection
Some collectors develop an emotional attachment to their dolls, seeing them as companions or representations of certain aspects of themselves. I've seen lots of collectors create a doll in their own likeness. They will say, 'this is me.' I haven't done this yet but I totally plan to create a Stacy doll...full with flowers in her hair and glasses! Trust me when I say there is just something comforting about having a collection of beautiful dolls surrounding you. They begin to feel like old friends. They are always there for you. And you really do begin to love them!
4. Social Connection
Doll collecting can be a way to connect with like-minded individuals, share interests, and form communities around a common passion. Many people join online groups or forums. There are various types of doll conventions every year all across the globe. Even the act of scouring flea markets and thrift shops can be a fun date with your friends!
5. Investment
Some people see dolls as potential investments, especially rare or limited-edition pieces that may increase in value over time. These types of collectors invest in dolls with the expectation that, over a period of time, the worth of the doll will increase. Most collectors like this will invest only in expensive, top-brand name designers rather than obscure artists or those who create for fun or aesthetics. As for myself, the dolls I collect possibly will increase in value with time but that is not my purpose for collecting them. I don't intend to resell them. And when I shop for new dolls, I worry very little about what they are worth or what they may be worth later.
6. Diversity And Representation
Many collectors seek out dolls that represent diverse cultures, ethnicities, and abilities, either as a way to celebrate their own identities or to promote inclusivity in their collections. These types of doll collectors enjoy having pieces from different cultures, countries and dolls that display customs and fashions from a variety of cultures and settings. For example, I have several dolls in Oriental dress. I'd like to branch off and find more diverse dolls when I can, it's really a matter of luck in shopping.
7. Historical Interest
Dolls can serve as a window into different time periods or cultural traditions, making them appealing to those with an interest in history or anthropology. I think this is in terms of vintage dolls. Retro dolls. Dolls created years and years ago and from different cultures and time periods. Again, I am not really into this. I love vintage things, but vintage dolls sort of give me the creeps honestly. I am more into the modern artsy fashion doll than old antiques.
8. Storytelling
Dolls can inspire creativity and storytelling, as collectors imagine the lives, relationships, and adventures of their dolls. You see this in people who explore doll photography and pose their dolls in various settings for photoshoots. Some doll collectors name each doll. Some go a bit further and create little back-stories and characterizations for their dolls. Some write little stories or poems from the view point of the doll. I've seen collectors even create family trees or scrapbooks. I love all these ideas. I have ideas to create my own little binder for my dolls. It's just adds a fun, creative aspect to collecting.
9. Customization
Some collectors enjoy the process of customizing their dolls with new outfits, hairstyles, or even modifications to their features. This probably ties in with some of the other stuff I've mentioned previously but it's so much fun to personally customize a doll. You can do this by painting your own make-up, choosing (or creating) accessories, clothing. You can go a step further and create props and scenes. Personalizing it and turning it into your vision is just part of the fun! I love dressing my dolls, fixing their hair and creating fun displays for them.
10. Mental Health And Self-Care
For some, doll collecting can be a form of self-expression or a way to de-stress and relax, providing a sense of comfort and joy. People use dolls for comfort during trying times. Many adults use dolls as way to help cope with trauma. You see this a lot in the reborn baby community. But, any doll can bring an individual a sense of calm and comfort. Some collectors may even indulge in a form of play therapy and use their dolls as a sounding board for replaying, or figuring out, events in their lives and traumas they have endured.
I think each individual person probably has their own personal reason for why they began collecting dolls. Speaking for myself, I have always adored dolls. I spent my entire childhood creating very rich inner worlds with dolls, favorite stuffed animals, doll houses, tea sets, coloring books and story books. I have always had a vivid imagination. And I've always wanted my very own collection but time, resources, and space were just never quite properly aligned. I am at a place in my life where I now have the means to indulge in my favorite thing (dolls, imaginative play, creative endeavors). I began by purchasing a few ball jointed dolls. I fell in love with the artistry, the clothing, the complete culture of it. And the rest is history!
Other collectors have stories entirely different from my own. Some probably have stories similar to my own as well. Honestly, there's no right or wrong way to collect dolls, as long as you enjoy the process and derive satisfaction from it!