‘Toy doctor’ brings dolls a
In the animated movie “Toy Story 2,” an old man named Geri is called out to fix toy doll Woody’s broken arm. In Shanghai, 72-year-old Zhu Boming is a real-life “doctor in a toy hospital.” He performs all kinds of “operations” on his patients — fluffy toys which mean everything to their owners.
He not only repairs the toys, but restores their owners’ precious childhood memories.
Zhu has always been good with his hands. In the 1950s and 60s when he was a child, widespread shortages led to rationing.
Zhu learned how to cut and sew so that he could make clothes for his family of five.
After graduating from a technical secondary school majoring in machinery, he worked in a metal cutting factory. His products were soon exempt from inspection because of his craftsmanship and consistency.
Later he became an analog electronic engineer at another company.
Zhu began repairing toys when his son asked him to fix his worn-out bear Mingming.
However, his boy was not satisfied, as the bear did not smile as it did when it was new. Zhu tried again, but his son was still unhappy.
Zhu then realized the bear had formed a fixed impression in his son’s mind. So he asked him to remember every little detail and bit by bit adjusted the toy till his son was satisfied.
From 2008 to 2011, after retirement, he carried out aftersales service maintenance for US toy company Fisher Price.
Three years ago, a customer who learnt about his special techniques from the Internet suggested he open a toy hospital. There are such hospitals in Japan but she believed Zhu is more skilled. His weaving methods are superior, and he will go to great lengths to find the same material for the old toys rather than use new fabrics. Zhu accepted the proposal.
Later, she promoted Zhu online, making him known to people needing their beloved toys brought back to life.
Zhu’s clinic is at his home in an old apartment building in Hongkou District. A desk in the middle of the 15-square-meter living room is the operating table where more than 10 toys are stacked waiting for treatment.
He is the only “doctor” who is confident he can repair broken limbs, missing eyes, noses and mouths, withered or ragged skin, as well as lost hair.
When owners bring him their toys, Zhu draws detailed pictures.
“If I should fail to repair it, I can return it in the condition it was sent,” he says.
Next, he draws up a repair plan. With the approval of the client, he starts work.
Cleaning is important as many dolls sent to him are old and have accompanied their owners for many years. Owners dare not wash them for fear they will be ruined.
“Owners normally sleep with them, so sweat, saliva and cosmetics leave stains on them,” Zhu says.
However, cleaning is not easy. Zhu says the alkalinity in ordinary cleansing fluid would damage the fibers, making woolen toys harden or lose shape.
With the help of a friend, Zhu managed to develop a new detergent which works well in removing stains while not damaging the toy.
In order to restore a doll to its original appearance, Zhu usually goes to the library to research the fashion, designs, styles and materials from when the toys were new.
Zhu spends a lot of time shopping at fabric markets and wool stores to look for the exact material to match the original. Sometimes searching for the thread of one particular color can take him four or five days.
But that’s not all.
From the experience repairing the toy for his son, Zhu knows how important it is to retain each toy’s unique appearance and personality.
“Each doll was given life by its owner,” he says. “Its gestures, looks and manners have been established in the owner’s mind, you must try your best to follow the owner’s thinking to restore its appearance in his or her heart.”
Many owners ask him to restore their treasured possessions in line with the images rooted in their minds from childhood.
He shows owners pictures and videos for their agreement before every step, and even leaves them a few hours to consider the way ahead. He never tires of making adjustments until clients are satisfied.
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