How to Collect Lee Middleton Dolls

Middleton doll from the Newborn Nursery collection

The Middleton Doll Company offers a variety of life-like play and artist dolls based on the original designs of the late artist, Lee Middleton. Since Middleton’s death in 1997, artists such as Reva Schick, Eve Helland, Jane Pinkstaff, Michelle Fagan and Pat Moulton have designed dolls in the Middleton doll collection. The most popular Middleton play doll is the newborn baby doll featured at Newborn Nursery Care Centers. At the care centers, children are treated like prospective parents and are led by “nurses” who help them “adopt” newborn dolls in a hospital nursery setting. Other collections include the Artist Studio collection, Middleton Now and Middleton Playbabies. The Artist Studio collection features limited-edition collectible dolls. Middleton Now offers collector-quality play dolls. Middleton Playbabies are a collection of companion dolls for each stage of a little girl’s development. The Middleton doll trademark is the small Bible that accompanies each doll.

Instructions

1. Research the Middleton doll collections and determine which dolls are available. Check the official Middle Doll Company website at www.leemiddleton.com for information on the current collection. Search local and on-line doll specialty shops (see Resources) for details on available dolls.

2. 

   Decide which Middleton dolls you want to collect. Choose dolls based upon your budget, the doll’s price and availability.

3. Find Middleton doll retailers. Make a list of local, out-of-state and on-line retailers who carry Middleton dolls. Contact each retailer and inquire about Middleton doll prices. Compare prices so that you can find the most reasonable price for your doll. The official Middleton Doll company website has a retail locator at www.leemiddleton.com.

4. Consider a second-hand Middleton doll. Retired dolls may only be available second-hand. If you consider a second-hand doll, learn to recognize doll condition. A Middleton doll in mint condition has a secure vinyl head and limbs. Her eyes are rust-free with all eyelashes present. The face paint is bright and her hair is silky. She is clean and does not smell musty. Her clothing has no holes or stains.

5. Place an ad for a rare Middleton doll. Contact your local newspaper and newspapers in neighboring large cities and buy an ad to aid your doll search. Describe the doll and the amount of money you prefer to pay in the ad. By stating your price, you should attract potential doll sellers who may be willing to sell for a price within your budget.

6. Search for rare and retired Middleton dolls at doll collecting discussion forums on-line. You can reach doll collectors from all over the world who have the doll you want and be willing to sell it.

7. Protect your doll collection from possible damage. Keep your doll collection in a display case to prevent dust accumulation. Pose the doll securely in a stand to prevent falls. Display the doll in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for gently used Middleton dolls at garage sales and resale shops.

• Surface wash your Middleton doll with a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap and distilled water whenever she gets dirty. Dust her off occasionally to keep her clean.

• Never wash a Middleton doll in a washing machine because the doll is too delicate.

• Do not use a blow dryer on doll hair because it will permanently damage it.

• Do not store a Middleton doll in a sealed plastic bag or plastic bin, because mildew may grow on the doll.

Resources

• Middleton Doll Company--Official site
• Middleton Doll Company's Retailer Locator
• Collectibles by Jeannine--Doll specialty shop that sells Middleton dolls
• Samantha's Collectibles--Middleton doll retailer