00:01I've had him since I was a baby.
00:04Every beloved toy has a precious story.
00:07And I'm in my 40s now.
00:08There's something about dolls that give people comfort.
00:13Since 1882, the Doll Hospital has saved playthings from disintegration in Melbourne.
00:19From bruised cheeks to missing limbs, all could be restored, especially childhood wonder
00:25and innocence.
00:29Just the joy that you see in people's faces is just amazing.
00:34Once you finish something it's very gratifying.
00:38But rising costs and the untimely death of head doll surgeon Ann Taylor last year means
00:44the hospital closes early August.
00:46She's irreplaceable, she really is.
00:49And I'm telling you that because I hear that from a lot of customers.
00:52This is a melancholy moment and with an array of stock still here, a lot of this will end
00:57up in the tip if it doesn't find a new home.
00:59But this is also an opportunity for one final parting present.
01:03We've donated dolls to St Kilda Mums.
01:08It would be wonderful to be able to donate a lot.
01:11And we really would love people to come out and buy a piece of this history.
01:16But while this is the end of an era, Charles Phillip isn't retiring completely.
01:21He'll continue with antique ceramic and porcelain restoration.
01:24And the team leaves knowing it's made a big difference with a steady stream of former customers
01:29coming in to say thank you.
01:32People will never ever forget the doll hospital.
01:35And to have been a part of that and to share that with others has been a great joy.
01:42You
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