Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair

What a sad bear! I can only imagine the unbearable indignities poor Teddy endured under the “care” of his previous owners. And yet with all of the damage, some of it literally worn on his sleeve, he has prevailed and now sits atop his own make-do high chair. 

I purchased the bear many years ago from an antiques dealer who had a large collection of antiques with inventive repairs, including toys – one of my favorite subcategories. Teddy, or perhaps Theodora(?), originally wore a faded pink cotton dress to help cover multiple battle scars. But now he can bare all and proudly show the many different mends done over the past 100 years. I particularly like the indigo blue with white polka dot patterned fabric patches on a paw and foot.

The doll high chair was found in Mark’s family home in Vermont and repaired by his grandfather when one of the front leg became damaged. T. Bear seems quite comfortable now, although still hanging by a thread in many places, and can finally relax knowing the abuse is over.