Working as a steward of of history and the memories objects can hold, Christopher Willet-Crane is reawakening antique dolls that have been either loved - or neglected - to death. Antique dolls, generally from the turn of the century over 100 years ago, find their way to Christopher's "doll room," where he mends, cleans and often restrings tiny broken bodies of wood and plaster. Damaged limbs are mended with gold leaf (like the Japanese technique of Kintsugi used to repair damaged vessels), and the little creatures are brought back to life. After receiving an antique locket for a heart and a crocheted brain (made by his husband), Oz-like wizard Willet-Crane begins to understand who each doll is becoming.
Wigs and outfits or small wardrobes and accessories are then invented and created by hand, using fabrics, threads, buttons and accessories from yesteryear to stitch together each doll's past and future.
Every material used in the process of reinventing each doll is deliberately chosen for the history, the memories and the meaning it carries. And like the locket heart imbedded in each doll, you can't always see the meaning, but you can feel it in the care and intention demonstrated in every decision that brings each doll back to life.
Each re-enlivened doll bring with them a written and visual record of their transformation and reincarnation. They are ready to be adopted, loved and played with once again.