We watch the BBC's 'Repair Shop' TV programme when we can, and Lady Magnon is constantly suggesting that I should take Alphonse along. I, of course, reply with an emphatic "No". I like him just the way he is!
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Alphonse and I have been together for all of 75 years. My mother won him in a raffle, at a rather posh Red Cross Ball in Park Lane towards the end of the war.
He is supposed to represent a Japanese Prisoner of War, for whom I imagine they were raising funds. He wears a straw hat, and has straw shoes. Otherwise he wears very simple (home-made by someone) Khaki Army Fatigues. The Poppy was an addition for last year's Remembrance Day.
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Poor Alphonse (like me) is showing signs of age. His body is cracked and scarred, his uniform certainly wouldn't pass an inspection parade, and his eyes no longer see as once they did (cataracts maybe?).
Goodness knows what will happen to him when I'm no longer here. I don't wish to burden my children with loads of 'heirlooms' which I'm sure they wouldn't want. Maybe he should be buried, or cremated, with me; although it would be rather a shame.
To most people he's just a doll in uniform; a forerunner of Action Man. But to me he's almost a family member, a sort of brother or cousin who doesn't argue, and not only agrees with my every word but also does what he's told.
He's not cuddly or cute. I never took him with me during my rare hospital stays; but I would hate to think that he wasn't somewhere at hand. We don't really speak to each other; just knowing that we're in easy reach of each other is enough.
I've brought him downstairs to share my sofa. I just hope that Billy doesn't take Umbrage.
33 comments:
He's wonderful! Wouldn't it be marvelous if you could have him restored! Yes.
I like him as he is. No restoration for me.
I think you should leave instructions regarding Alphonse when your death comes, have him sold to a collection house or something similar, perhaps a war museum if there is such a thing. Someone is sure to want him.
That's a good idea. I wonder if they'd want him?
Yes, he's staying as he is.
I would hate him to look any different. He shall remain 'scruffy', like his owner.
Alphonse is a character. I can see why you don't want to change him.
The Imperial War Museum has dolls, catalogued as 'Souvenirs and ephemera', & all no doubt donated. If Alphonse is unique, I'm sure they'd take him. Keeping him unrestored will always be best.
I'll bare that in mind; good idea!
We've known each other for a long time; no changing him now.
I agree with Pipistrello. He should be on display just as he is.
Unless he’s falling apart, he should stay as he is.
I don’t think you’d get on The Repair Shop ….. you haven’t got a sob story that’s good enough 😢….. you always need a story that leaves everyone in tears to get on the programme !!! XXXX
Just as I was reading your comment my wife said she was taking him upstairs because the other dolls are missing him. Poor Alphonse.
He will stay as he is. I'd be no good with a sob-story.
I think it would be more interesting to take him to Antiques Roadshow. I doubt he would be worth much but he would make for an interesting discussion. I can see you talking to an expert and explaining how your mother won him at a Park Lane ball.
You're probably right on both counts. He's certainly not a valuable doll, but he has an interesting history.
He is an interesting character. Somebody probably collects the doll or a museum has them on display. It would be interesting to know what the experts have to say. That said, he certainly has sentimental value and family history with you.
Yes, he's an old friend. More of interest to me than others, I suspect.
I watch The Repair Shop too but sometimes I do wonder if they are successful with everything or do things sometimes prove impossible to repair.
On the subject of what to do with him - I had a very much loved Paddington Bear and I gave it to my first Great Grand daughter. Now she has a little brother - born three months ago I wonder if she will share it with him.
One thing that touched me about your country was its reverence for it's histories. Surely, with so many museums dedicated to remembering the war, Alphonse would find a home somewhere in a display describing 'life on the homefront', people working busily to support their troops.
I loved reading about Alphonse. He is delightful! I'm sure he will be treasured by a family member down the line. You should tuck the story of Alphonse in his pocket to ensure his history isn't forgotten.
It goes without saying that they only show us the successful restorations (and the most tearful). There are bound to be cases beyond saving.
Yes, I think that's a good idea. Maybe when I'm on my death-bed, I'll give them a ring.
I keep saying that myself, unfortunately there isn't an 'open' pocket into which I could put anything. I'll find somewhere!
I would leave him as is too! I have my "Beary" from when I was 2 years old so he will turn 70 this year! A lot of his stuffing is gone along with his ears but I wouldn't change him ever!
It sounds as if Beary and Alphonse would get on well together.
I think he should be in a museum cro
Lovely Alphonse. Shame his poppy is out of proportion. One of those little enamel poppy badges would suit him better I think.
This brought tears to my eyes. My uncle drove a supply truck in France after the invasion. His eyesight was too bad for the US Army to send him to fight. Anyway, he brought me a doll. When she was presented to me when I was many years older, my grandmother explained she had everything replaced, her stuffing, her hair, her clothing, because all the original was straw and wool and "no good". The doll meant little to me; I was old enough to realize it was not the original doll. I see Alphonse hand stitches and his straw stuffing and am thrilled. Don't refurbish him. It's what you were given.
I think so too, but in a while; not yet!
He was sat in the window for Poppy Day, and I still haven't removed it. I do have one of those small enamel ones, but I think it's in France. I shall try to remember to bring it back.
It's certain that all things can be over restored. Furniture, paintings, and even dolls, can easily lose their charm if badly 'modernised'.
Put a little pouch on a string around his neck, with his history written and folded inside, much like the London children being sent away for the war had ID strung around their necks or pinned to clothing.
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