Profile
Log In
Sign up
This website uses cookies. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but can optimise your browsing experience. To manage your cookie choices, click on Open settings.
Profile
Log In
Sign up
    Italy: Milanese 'doll hospital' gives old toys a second chance in unique workshop04:06

    Italy: Milanese 'doll hospital' gives old toys a second chance in unique workshop

    Italy, Milan
    Entertainment and ArtsHuman Interest
    January 6, 2023 at 18:28 GMT +00:00 · Published

    Elfride Buhler is one of the few artisan toy experts in Italy who specialises in repairing old dolls, as seen in footage from Milan on Friday.

    The Swiss former kindergarten teacher has been the city for 50 years and entering her little downtown store is like taking a plunge into childhood.

    There are toys of all kinds: from electric trains to toy soldiers, toy cars and stuffed animals. However, the true stars are the dolls, which are taken care of like a surgeon would her patient.

    The oldest are made with celluloid, the very first synthetic plastic. It's a very delicate material and prices can be somewhat high.

    "The price depends on the repairs. I always give an estimate ranging from 30 euros", explained Buhler. "If there is to redo everything - hooks, eyes to fix, and want the dress - the price goes up", added the craftswoman.

    Her customers come from all over the country, and she even has international clients. Some send her pictures by email, asking if she can help their sickly toys - and judging by the collection in her store, it's not often she can't perform a miracle.

    Italy: Milanese 'doll hospital' gives old toys a second chance in unique workshop04:06
    TrendingView all videos
    Top downloads in last 24 hours
    02:05
    Serbia: Heavy clashes erupt between Serb protesters, NATO peacekeepers outside municipal building in KosovoSerbia: Heavy clashes erupt between Serb protesters, NATO peacekeepers outside municipal building in Kosovo
    May 29, 2023 at 17:59 GMT +00:00
    01:56
    Aftermath of shelling at market and bus stop in village of MikhaylovkaAftermath of shelling at market and bus stop in village of Mikhaylovka
    May 29, 2023 at 20:37 GMT +00:00
    04:53
    Germany: 'Diplomats instead of grenades' - Hundreds rally against arms supplies to Ukraine in LubminGermany: 'Diplomats instead of grenades' - Hundreds rally against arms supplies to Ukraine in Lubmin
    May 30, 2023 at 00:28 GMT +00:00
    03:43
    Syria: 'He contributed to destruction and displacement' - Locals in Damascus react to Erdogan's election victorySyria: 'He contributed to destruction and displacement' - Locals in Damascus react to Erdogan's election victory
    May 29, 2023 at 20:09 GMT +00:00
    Show more
    Description

    Elfride Buhler is one of the few artisan toy experts in Italy who specialises in repairing old dolls, as seen in footage from Milan on Friday.

    The Swiss former kindergarten teacher has been the city for 50 years and entering her little downtown store is like taking a plunge into childhood.

    There are toys of all kinds: from electric trains to toy soldiers, toy cars and stuffed animals. However, the true stars are the dolls, which are taken care of like a surgeon would her patient.

    The oldest are made with celluloid, the very first synthetic plastic. It's a very delicate material and prices can be somewhat high.

    "The price depends on the repairs. I always give an estimate ranging from 30 euros", explained Buhler. "If there is to redo everything - hooks, eyes to fix, and want the dress - the price goes up", added the craftswoman.

    Her customers come from all over the country, and she even has international clients. Some send her pictures by email, asking if she can help their sickly toys - and judging by the collection in her store, it's not often she can't perform a miracle.