All Dolled Up

Dolls can easily evoke memories of childhood and Dr PC Sharma,officer-in-charge of the International Dolls Museum,is on a mission to ensure that age does not become a barrier as far as owning dolls is concerned. “I have friends who refused to part with their toy dolls even after they crossed their teens,” remarks Sharma,pointing to the collection of souvenirs that the museum has introduced with image imprints of dolls in different designs on them.

The aim is to offer the buyer a choice of picking up a souvenir with a doll’s impression that reminds one of their childhood. So there is an innovative range of souvenirs — a bright magenta cushion cover carrying an impression of a doll dressed in the traditional blue costume of Finland,a coffee mug that has an image of a native dancer from Thailand printed on it and a muted stainless steel water bottle with an image of a shy looking doll dressed in a Argentinian costume. There is also a paperweight with an image of a doll,from the US.

The project,adds Sharma,was initiated after he sensed that people across ages loved dolls. While researching,he found that veteran politician Vidya Stokes kept her doll collection intact even when she was in her ‘80s. “They were kept nearby,but under wraps. It’s this thought that got me going. I realised that it’s not just her,but the child within us that wants to keep dolls,” explains Sharma,as he pulls out his favourite doll from a drawer — a blue mouse pad with a photo impression of a doll dressed in a costume from Italy. Each souvenir is functional,he says,and each image conveys the story of the doll that adorns the traditional attire and jewellery.

There are 15 souvenir dolls from world over,including Argentina,Austria,Belgium,Denmark,France,Russia,USA,Finland and Israel. The dolls are priced at Rs 300 onwards.

“After we officially launch the souvenir window this month and receive feedback,we’ll add more items,” he concludes.