Lin Fitz-Gibbon considers her vast doll collection an absolute treasure.
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Ms Fitz-Gibbon has more than 200 dolls at her Glen Oak Doll Hospital that she started 40 years ago.
She believes her love of dolls came from her upbringing where, as a child in post World War II England, her family faced some difficult times.
“As a child I didn’t have any dolls and a lot of children my age missed out,” she said.
“As a mother I had three small children and a job, but I knew I wanted to get into dolls.”
The Glen Oak Doll Hospital offers valuations and repairs of dolls and teddy bears.
Ms Fitz-Gibbon said she had dolls dating back to 1880 and particularly admired her antique collection.
“Personally, with my collection and what I look for are antique French and German bisque dolls,” she said.
“But in saying, that I love all dolls and am always interested to see other people’s dolls.”
Ms Fitz-Gibbon will present a selection of her dolls and teddy bears at an Afternoon with Dolls at Brough House on Saturday.
The afternoon will be a fund-raiser for the ongoing maintenance of the National Trust Maitland Properties of Brough House and Grossmann House.
An afternoon tea will also be provided, with the event to start at 1pm.
Grossmann House and Brough House National Trust co-ordinator Allen Todd said it was vital that fund-raising efforts continued for historic buildings in Maitland.
“We like to have the properties open for these sort of events so people can experience the garden and the old buildings,” he said. “So on Saturday, people won’t just see the dolls, but they’ll get to experience the house as well.”
An Afternoon with Dolls will be held at Brough House on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, with tickets on sale for $20.
Bookings are essential and can be made through Helen Scott on 4931 9046 or Grossmann House on 4933 6452.