antieke poppenbeurs Magic Antique Doll Event

Our Passion for Antique Dolls: A Nostalgic Journey


“We’ve been into dolls our whole lives,” says Ilona Schenke with a smile. Together with Marleen van Leeuwen, she is the driving force behind the Magic Antique Doll Event Holland, a unique antique doll fair that will take place on March 9, 2025 at the Van der Valk hotel in Vught. Both ladies have been passionate about antique dolls since they were teenagers. “In those 50 years, I’ve seen so many things,” Ilona continues. “Collecting and trading have become a lifestyle for me.”

Marleen has been collecting since she was a child. Her parents already had a shop on the Zwarte Markt in Beverwijk and also traveled all over Europe. “I often went along and that’s where my love for antique dolls started,” she adds.

The appeal of antique dolls

Antique dolls are more than just collectibles; they carry stories and history with them. Around the end of the 19th century, there was a lively production of dolls in Europe. The dolls were hand-painted and clothes were hand-sewn. They also used elaborate and fine materials such as bisque, porcelain or wax. “Antique dolls give a nostalgic feeling and bring a piece of the past to life,” Marleen explains. Originally, beautiful dolls were made in Paris and the surrounding area, such as Bru, Jumeau, Gaultier and Steiner. Germany, and specifically the Thuringia region, also has a rich history of doll factories. “A doll is ultimately something personal. In general, collectors feel a certain attraction to specific dolls and that differs per person.”

How do you recognize an antique doll?

Recognizing an antique doll requires a keen eye for detail. Many dolls have also been copied over the years. Here are some characteristics to look out for:
– Material: Antique dolls are often made of refined bisque, porcelain, wood or wax, in contrast to modern dolls made of plastic or celluloid.
– Facial expression: The facial expression is often detailed and hand-painted, giving each doll a unique character.
– Eyes: Hand-blown, fixed or sleep eyes often indicate an antique doll, while plastic eyes usually indicate a more modern doll.
– Marks: Many antique dolls have a mark or number on the back of the head, which confirms their authenticity. The number also determines the rarity and therefore the value. For example, a doll with the number 126 from Kämmer & Reinhardt is more common than a 101 or a 114, making dolls with these marks much more exclusive.

“Dolls with these features are not only rare, but also tell a story. That makes them so fascinating to collect,” Marleen adds.

antieke poppenbeurs Magic Antique Doll Event

Anecdotes from the world of dolls

Ilona shares a special memory: “In my early days, I collected beautiful dolls that were special and unique. One day, a Japanese customer made me an irresistible offer for my entire collection. My father said at the time: ‘Either you start a museum or you sell them.’ It was a difficult decision, but I chose to sell. That gave me the space to search and collect again, which is still what I enjoy most.”

Ilona’s passion ties in seamlessly with Marleen’s adventures: “I never know how my day will go. Sometimes I get a call about an interesting doll and I immediately get in the car. I regularly come across the most special dolls. Sometimes I find a French Jumeau in excellent condition or a beautiful automaton. Moments like that are priceless.”

A community with a shared passion

Antique dolls bring people together. “Originally, many dolls were produced in Thuringia. Dolls from brands such as Heubach Koppelsdorf, HW Heinrich Handwerck Waltershausen, Simon and Halbig all come from this region. The Puppenfestival that is still organised every year in Thuringia is a good example of how international the doll world is,” says Marleen. “Collectors and dealers from all over the world come there. It is wonderful to see how a shared passion can create such connections.”

The fair: a meeting place for enthusiasts

In the past, up until the 1990s, fairs for antique dolls were regularly held throughout Europe. In recent years, this has become much less. There are still fairs, but often in combination with other related items, such as bears or miniatures. The Magic Antique Doll Event Holland was created out of a need for a small-scale, friendly fair like in the past. “There is actually nothing comparable in the Netherlands anymore,” Marleen explains. “With our fair, we want to offer a place where collectors and dealers can not only buy and sell dolls, but also share their knowledge and passion.”

Although the fair was initially intended primarily for collectors and exhibitors from the Netherlands, it has now attracted international attention. “It’s great that many top dealers from the Puppenfestival in Neustadt are now also with us,” says Ilona. “So many antique French and German dolls at one fair is unique. Even the organizers of well-known fairs in Germany, Brussels and Paris are participating. Everyone is really looking forward to it.” For example, the most important doll dealers in Germany will have a stand and a well-known dealer from France, who used to have a doll museum, will also be present.

The fair is therefore an excellent place to come into contact with the many types of antique dolls that exist. “There is no museum in the world where you can see so many top pieces in one place than at the Magic Antique Doll Event,” says Marleen. “At the same time, we keep it very accessible and ensure that there is something for everyone at the fair,” adds Ilona. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the craftsmanship and even receive useful tips on recognizing and caring for dolls. “It is not only a trading place, but also a place to meet other enthusiasts and exchange experiences,” Ilona emphasizes.

A dream come true

With the Magic Antique Doll Event Holland, Marleen and Ilona are also taking the plunge. “We both missed the atmosphere and charm of the real fairs for antique dolls. There are no events in the Netherlands that focus exclusively on antique dolls. Because we notice that many people are interested in this, we said to each other at one point; we both have a large network, let’s organize something ourselves.” “It is sometimes out of my comfort zone,” Marleen admits, “at the same time, new plans are already emerging to further open up this world to enthusiasts.”

On March 9, 2025, Vught will briefly become the epicentre of the international doll world. A unique opportunity for collectors and dealers to come together, learn and enjoy the rich history and stories behind antique dolls. As Ilona aptly puts it: “The dolls continue to fascinate people – and we like to share that fascination with the world. Therefore we would like to invite all interested parties to visit this fair. Admission to this 1st Magic Doll Event Holland is free!”


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