MINIATURE DOLLHOUSE

I have always been interested in craftwork, sewing, painting, model making etc. probably since my father bought me a train set when I was 7 years old, (he only had daughters!!). We built a miniature town around the railway tracks and that was it !! I was hooked.

I have built up quite a collection of books and kits, with the intention of doing more when I give up working and retire. (Something to do when I’m old!!)

I have had a career in Retail, and after being made redundant 2 years ago, I have worked at Inland Revenue and Customs. I needed to make the break whilst I was still sane!!

Two Christmases ago my son gave me a Miniature Dolls House which he had made. Just the bare dollshouse. It stood in the corner of my conservatory, again waiting for me to grow old when I would want something to do to fill up my time.

Well, that time has come and to say I am obsessed with miniature dollshouses would be an understatement.

I have been researching Miniature Dolls houses and was amazed to find that the earliest were found in the pyramids of Egypt, wooden replicas of furnishings, boats, servants and pets.

In the 16^th century Albert V, the Duke of Bavaria had a miniature dollshouse made , which he called my ‘baby house’. It took 3 years to make and involved the best craftsmen he could find. These cupboard or cabinet houses as they were known caught on with the wealthy as displays to impress their friends. They were definitely not children’s toys.

In the Victorian times, and after the Industrial revolution, Miniature Dolls houses were being made in quantity, and used as training tools for young wealthy girls to learn about household management.

A replica miniature dolls house was made for Queen Mary. Sir Edward Lutyens was commissioned by the King to make this for her, it took 3 years to complete, again using the best craftsmen around, everything was made to scale of 1 inch to 1 foot (1:12 which is the normal scale used today.) her house even had a working lift, running water, and an electricity supply. The house is on display at Windsor Castle.

After the 2^nd World War miniature dolls houses became very popular as toys for young girls and only really, since the 1970s have they become collectables and hobbies with adults, wanting to create miniature houses, with all the paraphernalia that this pastime invokes.

Just think of the enjoyment and fun you can have creating or recreating a bygone era, The numerous designs in architecture, the fascination of furnishing rooms as authentically as you can.

Remember it could be a box, cupboard or cabinet piece, a home or a shop, the possibilities for miniature dolls houses are endless.

Enjoy