Remembering Doc Higgins and his peculiar ‘Dolls’ Hospital’

The Dolls’ Hospital, once located on London Road, operated for over fifty years, and though it has since closed, its story lives on.

For those who remember climbing the narrow, creaky stairs to visit ‘Doc Higgins’ and his collection of broken dolls, the memory is a mix of childhood curiosity and a touch of spookiness.

The Dolls’ Hospital

The Dolls Hospital was situated near Piccadilly Station, housed in the now-defunct Imperial Hotel.

On the outside, it looked like any ordinary shop, but stepping inside was a different experience.

Punters who went there said the air was thick with the smell of dust and glue.

Dim lighting cast shadows across the room, and the musty smell of age lingered.

To reach the main repair area, visitors had to climb a narrow staircase that led to a small, cramped room that felt a bit like stepping into a spooky movie set.

“Dolls heads hung from the ceiling”

Doll heads hung from the ceiling, their frozen grins adding to the strange atmosphere.

Limbs dangled from hooks, and jars of doll eyes seemed to follow your every move. For many children, it was both fascinating and a little scary.

“Both fascinating and a little scary”

Despite the slightly eerie vibe, there was something undeniably charming about the Dolls’ Hospital.

Doc Higgins

At the centre of it all was John Higgins, affectionately known as ‘Doc Higgins.’ He was a stocky, older man with a gruff exterior, but he was a master of his craft.

For over fifty years, he repaired countless dolls, restoring them to their former glory and bringing joy to the children who brought them in.

His reputation as The Doctor” was well-deserved. His kindness and dedication were legendary, and many families came to rely on him.

Saying Goodbye In June 1988, after being hospitalised earlier that year, Doc Higgins made the difficult decision to sell the business.

Doc Higgins had hoped his son, Gordon, might take over, but with a full-time job as a lorry driver, it wasn’t possible.

After more than fifty years, the Dolls’ Hospital quietly closed. The building was eventually torn down in 1997, and replaced by the modern Malmaison Hotel, another sign of Manchester’s continuous growth.

Though the shop is gone, the memories remain for those who visited.

A special place in the memories of those who remember it

As we move forward, it’s important to cherish the odd and charming parts of our history. They’re the stories that give a city its soul. And for many, the Dolls’ Hospital remains a beloved piece of Manchester’s history.

Header photo credit: Manchester History