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Dublin’s doll hospital and teddy bear clinic closes today

Melissa and Chris Nolan have been repairing dolls and teddies for over 30 years.

THE MUCH LOVED Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital is to close its doors today for the very last time.

Dubliners will remember the Doll’s Hospital on Mary Street, which closed in 1977.

In 1984, husband and wife Melissa and Chris Nolan opened a new Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital on 62 South Great Georges Street.

Over three years ago, it moved to the top floor of the Powerscourt Centre on South William Street.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Melissa said it is with a “heavy heart and much sadness” that they have to close.

Dolls Hospital To Close Down Owner Melissa Nolan. Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

“We just haven’t been getting the footfall here in the Powerscourt Centre,” she explained, adding they hope to try to run the business online.

“Everybody who has come in or commented on Facebook are really upset that we’re closing, which has resulted in this week being one of our busiest weeks.”

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She said they had received great messages of support from the public.

“There has been a huge outpouring of love for us in the past few weeks.”

The Nolans have repaired hundreds of dolls and bears over the years.

Touching stories 

A set of twin dolls came to the hospital belonging to twin girls a number of years ago.

One girl had become ill with the measles and had drawn spots on her doll’s face. Tragically the little girl died and the remaining little girl had a huge attachment to the doll.

The ink was at risk of damaging the doll, so the parents brought it in to the doll’s hospital, where it was cleaned and repaired.

On another occasion, a teddy bear belonging to a sick girl was sent to the hospital from the Channel islands.

It was worse for wear, but the girl who was in hospital undergoing several operations loved it. The father told his daughter that while she was having treatment, her teddy was also getting medical help.

He flew to Dublin and within 24 hours was back to the Channel Islands with the restored teddy.

Dolls Hospital Closes Down Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Another time a young woman came in with her beloved teddy, who had been damaged by her ex-boyfriend.

“In a fit of rage, he took a pair of scissors and cut up the teddy bear’, known as Cheeky Bear. Luckily, the bear was able to be repaired.

Patients on the mend 

Other recent patients include:

Timeline Photos - The Dolls Hospital | Facebook Ted was admitted to the hospital today for emergency nose surgery. He has settled in well and sends a big hug to best buddy Elin. Facebook Facebook

Timeline Photos - The Dolls Hospital | Facebook E.T was admitted into hospital for emergency eye and nose surgery. He settled in well and is watching movies with his new friends in the hospital. He sends a big hug out to his three buddies Cian, Kyle & Emma. Facebook Facebook

Timeline Photos - The Dolls Hospital | Facebook Parsnip has just been given the all clear from Dr Ted to go home. He is so excited to see his best buddy Rebecca who he missed so much. Facebook Facebook

The work done by Melissa and Chris has not gone unnoticed by customers:

Photos from The Dolls Hospital's post - The Dolls Hospital | Facebook Facebook Facebook

“I love what we do and our customers do too. I think Irish people like coming in with something that is very precious to them and talk about what exactly they would like done. It’s a real shame to have to close the doors.”

Melissa also owns one of the largest collection of Irish teddy bears in Ireland.

She was involved last year with a display at the Ark Children’s Museum, in conjunction with the Royal Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She also has over 50 antique dolls.

“I would hate to see the collection be broken up. I think it would be a great attraction to have a teddy bear museum in Dublin, I love that idea. I would love someone to step in and say they could house the collection and look after it.
At the moment I will just be wrapping everything up and taking them home with me. If anybody would be interested, they should get in touch, I just want the collection to be appreciated by others.”

The Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital closes today. You can follow their work on Facebook and on their website here

From old to new: My childhood teddy Lamby pays a visit to the Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital> 

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26 Comments
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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:24 AM

    Awww such a pity!!!! I actually only saw the shop for the first time a few weeks back in Powerscourt and thought I’d bring my nieces there someday!!! It looked lovely all the best.

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    Mute Tallaght two
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    Jun 27th 2015, 10:16 AM

    this is more a salient lesson on being careful where you move your business and unfortunately is not a good advert for powerscourt. hopefully they make a go off it online. the demand definitely exists it the location didn’t support them.

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    Mute Mark Fran
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    Jul 5th 2016, 10:23 PM

    Life is all about good and bad experience
    Life is all about good and bad experience. It was all good and lovely when i met jully, she was a good business woman until things become rough for her and her business empire started liquidating. I was a very courageous and hardworking man so i decided to sell my inheritance to assist . We both struggle together and built the business world again. This time around the business was growing from strength to strength. I was surprise one Sunday evening when she came home with her secretary and told me that we cannot continue with this pretense called love. I was shocked and heart broken, i was in a friend, house for three weeks frustrated until i met fernando my old friend at the supermarket, he directed to me to Dr saka. I contacted saka and he told me that Jully was been manipulated by some spiritual power and he told me to provide some items which he is going to use to destroy the evil spirit. I never believe in voodoo but i had to give him a trial. To my greatest surprise, Jully called and started apologizing 2 days after i sent Dr. Saka the email. I am very happy and will continue to be happy for the good work the Saka has done in my life. Problems are been solved when good people like Saka are on this planet, please contact him through ultimatespearcast@gmail.com if you need any support in any problems in life. I love Dr Saka … :)

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    Mute Chauncey Gardiner
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:39 AM

    Such a shame! You can’t cuddle a smartphone kids!

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    Mute David McShite
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:15 AM

    It’s so strange. We all read the most terrible of news stories every day, we are seldom surprised or shocked to any great extent as terrible things in the world have become the norm.
    But this little story just came in under the radar and made our inner child shed a tear.
    I hope they find a way to continue.

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    Mute Aaron Burns
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:26 AM

    This is an awful shame, but I guess in this day and age people would just go out and buy a new doll/ teddy rather than get it repaired.

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    Mute Evelyn Hughes
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    Jun 27th 2015, 11:47 AM

    U can’t buy a new best friend

    46
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    Mute Anya
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:08 AM

    Have had my teddy since I was born (am 28 now) and he was quite battered so I brought him here. They did a great job at fixing him and I’m eternally grateful, I’d have been devastated to lose my bear. Such a shame they have to close the doors :(

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    Mute Dave
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:50 AM

    Had my 36 year old teddy fixed there so that my son could have it. They did a great job. Such a shame they’re closing, but that’s the way of the world now. Easier to throw away and buy a new one.

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    Mute Malvolio32
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:47 AM

    You have to love that sign, wonder is it original, or based on something else?

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    Mute Melissa Porter Nolan
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    Jun 27th 2015, 1:34 PM

    Yes it’s original, designed & made by James Hankey, Tallaght, Dublin. It’s stood the test of time. It was out doors for almost 30 years. I still love still.

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    Mute Bobby Connolly
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    Jul 6th 2015, 9:51 PM

    Melissa, Robert and Lu here. Just caught the article on the Journal about the shop closure. So sorry to hear that and we hope the online business goes really well for ye though I guess nothing makes up for the day to day involvement in the shop. Best wishes for the future.

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    Mute Mel Healy
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:01 AM

    A sad end. Teddybear Varadker should be ashamed of himself.

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    Mute Karen NíDhochartaigh
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:21 AM

    devastated I only recently discovered the place and wanted to bring in my first ever teddy so I could then pass it to my little girl :’(

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    Mute Alan Lawlor
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    Jun 27th 2015, 10:10 AM

    Those damn HSE budget cuts are hitting everywhere

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    Mute Malvolio32
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Am I the only one here who never remembers having a teddy bear, I had a little shovel I brought everywhere?

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    Mute Charlie Mountney
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    Jun 27th 2015, 9:39 AM

    So you didn’t forget your shovel Malvolio?

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    Mute willow
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    Jun 27th 2015, 3:32 PM

    First Clerys and now The Dolls Hospital. Dublin is definitely changing and not for the best. Loved that Dolls hosp…..

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    Mute Alison Sutcliffe
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    Jun 27th 2015, 12:04 PM

    Such a huge part off Dublin history closing. Knowing the hospital was there for my teddies as a child growing up was a big thing for me and for my children now. We have visited the hospital and had teddies restored over the years. Such sad news to hear you are closing. like to thank you for all the care and love you gave to dolls and teddies that where each and every child’s pride and joy and much loved toys over the years.

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    Mute Maximus
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    Jun 27th 2015, 4:17 PM

    This is what should be on Grafton Street (rent free of course

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    Mute SnowCailín
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    Jun 27th 2015, 2:26 PM

    Does any business do well on top floor of shopping centre. This one seems like it could be a really good online business – and could possibly attract custom from abroad. I really hope it tries online as a way to survive – it’s a national treasure for a few generations!

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    Mute Terri O'Gorman McCormick
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    Jun 27th 2015, 4:20 PM

    Where are the dollies and teddys gonna go now. So sad!! Just another little bit of magic gone!!!

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    Mute Melissa Porter Nolan
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    Jul 18th 2015, 11:24 AM

    They have all been packed up with lots of TLC & some sadness. I have kept the collection together in the hope someone or some place will have a suitable home to display them again once and for all. Melissa

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    Mute Ciaran De Bhal
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    Jun 27th 2015, 10:55 AM

    I can remember the shop in Mary St. No. 5 or 6 maybe? My Dad had a dancewear shop in No.3. I used to love going in to the dolls hospital on Saturdays.

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    Mute Wyon Stansfeld
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    Jun 27th 2015, 3:11 PM

    Very sorry to hear that Dublin can not even support one decent toy shop, all the best for the future Melissa

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:06 PM

    Loads of jobs are still going but no one says a word unless the government promises new jobs that are coming years down the road but never arrive…

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