Specialist antique doll restoration studio

Antique dealers, auction houses, serious collectors, museums and heritage collections, plus private owners of valuable family pieces.

Higher-value quotes per doll, often including condition reports. Repeat work from dealers and auction houses can give steadier income, and some studios add valuation support or workshops.

• Advanced restoration and in-painting skills
• Knowledge of doll history, makers and period materials
• Careful documentation and photography
• Building trust with dealers and institutions

• Insurance for high-value items in your care, including while stored and in transit, check cover limits
• Public liability insurance if clients visit your studio
• Agree the extent of restoration in writing, as over-restoring can reduce a rare doll's value
• Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any planning use rules for studio space with your council
• Income can be uneven, so keep some working capital for quiet months

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your studio space, restoration materials, equipment and insurance. These are estimates. Keep some working capital aside, as income can be uneven in quiet months.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,200 to £5,000, depending on the pieces you restore and the clients you attract. Expect to work around 25 hours a week or more. Income can be uneven, so keep working capital for quieter months.

Check insurance for high-value items in your care, including in storage and transit, and public liability if clients visit. Agree the extent of restoration in writing, and check commercial lease terms, business rates and planning use rules with your council.