Since spring of 2020, David Simpich has carefully repaired and refurbished hundreds of his family’s doll designs. These highly collectible figures were originally handcrafted in Colorado Springs from 1952 until 2007.
David’s efforts ensure that these miniature works of art are preserved in “heirloom condition” for countless Simpich collectors across the US and beyond.
David, with the assistance of his wife, Debby, now operates his restoration workshop from their Old North End residence near downtown Colorado Springs. He combines his thirty-five years of marionette design and construction with foundational training in Simpich Doll casting, painting, finishing, and design. He and Debby also have access to an impressive archival supply of original doll parts and accessories, which has proven invaluable to restoring Simpich figures properly.
Restoration Pricing Guidelines
David receives some orders that need just a little “sprucing” and touch-up, while others require hours or days of effort to return a figure to its “original” or “vintage/classic” condition. His service has been structured into three levels of restoration. These should be used as guidelines in evaluating the current condition of each figure and the service that may be required.
Level1
$80 — $150 per figure.
A figure at this level needs minor paint touch-up, cleaning, and slight repositioning. The charge is based on the specific condition of each figure.
Level 2
$150 - $275 per figure.
At this level, a Simpich figure requires more extensive cleaning, painting, re-positioning, gluing, starching, steaming, staining, etc. Usually, no sculpture build-up or accessory replacement is required. The charge is based on the specific condition of each figure.
Level 3
$325 -$525 per figure.
Extensive reconstruction is almost always required at this level, including sculpture build-up (sometimes in multiple locations), painting, gluing, accessory replacement, re-positioning, etc. In some cases, fabric repair/refurbishment can be accomplished at this level, but can only be guaranteed as an “enhancement” rather than restoration.
All restored Simpich Dolls include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by David. These sometimes include additional “notations” that add to the prominence of a figure. These include edition numbers, verification of artist signatures, artist proofs, one-of-a-kind figures, etc.
NOTE ON MISPLACED OR BROKEN ACCESSORIES:
Unfortunately, David is unable to “sell parts” for Simpich Dolls. However, he frequently uses accessories from his archival collection to assist in restoring figures. Many of these parts are extremely rare and were produced during the operation of the original Simpich Workshop. He has also been called upon to completely recreate an accessory “from scratch”—a demanding and very specialized task! Based on the overall condition of a doll with a missing accessory, David can offer a special quote to reattach (or recreate) the accessory—and restore and certify the doll. This maintains the value and integrity of his family’s original designs.
If you would like to proceed in reserving a repair slot for your figure(s) based on these guidelines, please email David at:
Davidsimpichrestorations@gmail.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please include detailed photos of the damage to your figure(s)!
NOTE ON EMAIL RESPONSE: Unfortunately, David may not be able to answer emails with questions or concerns outside of Simpich Doll restoration. These include: inquiries into resale value, consignment, appraisals, other types of doll repair (not Simpich), estate sales, insurance, etc. His expertise is solely in the area of the refurbishment and preservation of his family’s artistic heritage,
● Watch our Restoration Videos on YouTube! (Although some information is outdated since the closure of Simpich Showcase in early 2022, these videos provide repair examples and general information on how the Simpich Restoration Levels are structured.)
Marionette Performances
Show Recordings Available for Rent or Purchase:
