Dolls' houses

Anne here. A few weeks ago, Christina blogged about Tiny Things, which I also enjoy. Recently I've been watching one of those "reality" TV shows where people compete to be the best at something — you know, like those cooking shows. In general I don't like that kind of show — putting people under time stress to make stuff and every week someone is a loser until finally only one "winner" is left. But despite my misgivings, I watched this one because it was all about miniatures and dolls' houses. It was a UK show called The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge and you can see a bit of it here.

I had to admit, I found it fascinating — I've loved miniatures and dolls houses since I was a little girl. But in the end, I found the show frustrating. I would have liked less frantic competitive making, and a slower program that really showed you what each person was doing — perhaps sharing and explaining some techniques. But I suppose that would only appeal to people interested in making miniatures themselves, whereas a competition with winners and losers is no doubt more appealing to a wider audience.

As far as I know, dolls' houses have only been around since the 17th century and then, in Europe, they were originally made not as play objects, but as teaching tools, intended for mothers to instruct their young daughters in how to run households. It was also to show off wealth, as the girls learning these lessons were practicing to be the lady of the house — not the cook or one of the servants.

In the 19th century, the concept of childhood changed (at least for the children of the rich) where play came to be regarded as natural and desirable for children. (The children of the poor kept working for a living, just like children in poor countries today.) The 19th century, particularly the Victorian era, is when dolls' houses came into their own. As well, industrialization meant that they became more affordable for more people. This period is still one of the most popular for miniature makers and dolls' house creators.

In the 1920's hundreds of craftsmen collaborated to create superb miniatures for The Queen Mary's Dolls' House, a dolls' house designed by one of the leading architects of the day. The level of skill there is amazing. That's a miniature treadle sewing machine on the left! Isn't the detail extraordinary?

For me, ever since I was a child, the fun of dolls' houses was in making the things that went in them. I was never much interested in playing with dolls as such — just the houses, and I didn't even have a dolls' house. I made houses and rooms out of shoe boxes, and made furniture out of whatever bits and pieces I could find. My first piece was a chest of drawers made by sticking match boxes together. 

I think my initial interest in dolls' houses came from reading Rumer Godden's books, The Dolls House, and her Japanese dolls' stories, Miss Happiness and Miss Flower and Little Plum. In those stories, there was quite a bit of detail about making what the houses and the dolls needed. The Dolls' House was about renovating an old dolls' house, and the dolls were characters in the story. The Japanese stories were about creating a proper Japanese house for the dolls, as well as making what they needed. Wonderful books, and I still have a yen to make a Japanese dolls' house.

But I didn't get my first dolls' house until I was quite old, and one of my adult students, learning I babysat a friend's little girl every week, gave me an old dolls' house — and that's what started it. We had very little to put in the dolls house, so clearly it was up to me to fill it.

I'm no craftsperson, not like the people on that TV show, but I do like making stuff, and I still stuck with the notion of making the furniture out of bits and pieces — whatever I had.  So I made chairs out of champagne wires, and reused bottle tops and tiny jars, and made lots of things out of polymer clay that I had for making beads. 

Each week, we'd get out the dolls' house, and set up the rooms, changing the layout each time. And at the end of the day, the little girl would decide what new thing we needed next for the dolls house. "I think the dolls house needs . . . a dolls house." And so, during the week I made one.

We bought a couple of cheap, tiny dolls and made clothes for them — especially hats. After one Melbourne Cup race day, my little friend had become fascinated by the big hats worn by women at the races, so it was, "I think the dolls need to go to the races... They'll need hats." 

And when I found a tiny wooden display case in a shop, well, of course we needed books and other things to go into it, didn't we?

Quite a few authors enjoy making miniatures and playing with dolls houses. Jennifer Ashley is one that I know of and you can see some of hers here.

I had a lot of fun making the various things, but my efforts were always a bit slapdash and very amateur, whereas the things made by the craftspeople on The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge were amazing in their detail. But I hated that they had to rush-rush-rush to get everything done. I know they could have presented even more brilliant work had they been given more time. But then, that's the nature of that sort of reality show, isn't it? The stress and the rush are the source of the drama.

Are you interested in miniatures or dolls' houses? Do you own any, or make any yourself? What about "reality" shows — do you watch them or not? Any favorites?

Comments

[Mary Jo Putney]

I have no interesting in making dolls' houses, but I've loved the ones I've seen in British and American museums. The craftsmanship! The patience! I'll never have either, but artists need appreciators, and I can do that!

[Pamela DG]

Despite my Mom's wish to have a daughter who loved dolls and doll houses, I was more interested in plush animals and still have that collection. My husband indulges me with animals rather than soon-to-be-dead flowers in a bouquet. I enjoy looking at doll houses and studying the miniature furniture.

[Christina Courtenay]

As you know, I love dolls' houses but I'm not very good at making things to go in them. I'd rather buy tiny things other people have made as there is so much to choose from. The only things I would make myself are cushions, table cloths and crocheted or knitted blankets - that I can manage! Everything else I'll leave to the professionals. I love the hats you made, they're gorgeous!

[Patricia Franzino]

Thank you, Christina, for this post.

I always loved miniatures and dolls' houses. I don't purchase or attempt to make anything now.

It's fascinating to see what is made for the interior of the houses, and the house itself.

Years ago there was a TV reporter who made a dolls' house for his step-daughter. He used thousands of tiny bricks, had electricity and running water. I can't remember his name, but I remember that house he made.

Your craftsmanship is beautiful. What you have been able to create is lovely.

[Robin Nystrom]

I’ve always loved the world of dolls houses and miniature rooms, thanks to having a wealth of magical ones on easy viewing here in Chicago. Not only do we have the fabulous Colleen Moore (she was the daughter of a millionaire who became known as a silent movie actress) house at the Museum of Science and Industry, but the Thorne Miniature Rooms on display at the Art Institute of Chicago were (and still are) a ‘must see’ stop whenever I visit the museum. They are fantastic and fed me imagination and love of historical buildings. I too loved those Rumer Godden works! I think that they not only fed my love for craftsmanship, but they exposed me to different ways of living and contributed to my love of travel and the world.

[Mary T]

I don't remember how old I was but one year I wanted a doll house for Christmas. I think that they were made of metal back in the 50s. Doesn't matter because I didn't get it anyway. So I decided to make my own.

I took some empty boxes and taped them together. Then I furnished it by cutting out pictures from magazines. Of course, it looked nowhere near as nice as the real one, but I sure had fun making it. Probably more fun than I would have had playing with the real one.

Great post.

[Anne Gracie]

Mary Jo, I visited a dolls house museum when I was in London last (a long time ago), and loved it, but there are many more displays around these days. And the quality of hobby-makers' creations is stunning.

[Mary]

If you are ever in Chicago, you must bust its exhibit of Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle. It is the most amazing doll house I have ever seen. In the meantime I am attaching a link to the exhibit with information, pictures a video. I know if at least 2 wonderful books published about the castle.
https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/colleen-moores-fairy-castle/

[Anne Gracie]

Pamela, that was me too, growing up. Animals first — we had a dog,, a cat, a cockatoo, and various others from time to time. I was forever brining home new pets. But if it was raining, I enjoyed making stuff. But it was about the making — I don't think I even had a doll, just Teddy and Snoodle (a lambswool rabbit).

[Anne Gracie]

Christina, it was needs must for me. Back then we didn't have nearly as many places to see and buy miniatures — I think there was one shop in Melbourne, and it was on the other side of the city. I look at what is available now, and all the gorgeous items on the web — let alone the really helpful and instructive videos — and it's all so tempting. And your tiny collectibles are gorgeous.

But as I said, I enjoy making stuff, and don't care if it's a bit slapdash or wonky. And the fun back then was in my little friend deciding each time what went where and what the dolls would be doing. And what the dolls house needed next. I remember I used a little Twinings tea packet for the frame of the dolls' house doll's house, and the innards I made with Fimo. It was fun, even thought the bath was a bit lopsided. Now, having watched that TV show I am fending off the desire to go back to making dolls' house stuff again.

[Anne Gracie]

Patricia, I think you'd enjoy watching The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge. The challenge each week was to create a particular room — a bedroom, a bathroom, or whatever, and in a particular period — Tudor, Regency, etc. I watched it on Brit Box, and was very strict about watching only one episode per day.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Robin, I am so envious about all the wonderful dolls houses on display in the US and UK, and also the number and variety of miniature supply shops you have. Though the web has opened up a lot of opportunities.

I'm so pleased you read and loved the Rumer Godden books too. I just reread Miss Happiness and Miss Flower recently and enjoyed it all over again. I bought it on kindle as the actual books are still in boxes, and now they have instructions for constructing the little Japanese house in the back.

[Jeanne Behnke]

I absolutely love dolls and dolls' houses. Of course, I had some growing up and so did my kids but we constructed houses too. Wow - what fun hours of play. Probably one of my favorite stories is Rackety-Packety House by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I still have many dolls on display in my home along with my fairies. Thank goodness my husband doesn't mind all my toys!

[Anne Gracie]

Mary, that was me as well. Never had one, but making my own from whatever was to hand gave me hours of creative and imaginative fun. I lined my shoeboxes with wrapping paper, and made paintings from pictures from magazine. But making furniture was the toughest challenge.

Several of my friends have bought dolls' houses for their kids, but once t was all set up, they lost interest. I think because there is more of a creative challenge in making stuff. And for my little visitor, we had to set up the dolls' house every time, as when she left I packed it all away.

[Anne Gracie]

Mary Thank you for that link — it looks wonderful. Some years ago, I did plan to visit Chicago for a few days, but I had to fly home for a family emergency instead, so only saw the airport.

[Jeanne Behnke]

Mary - That is gorgeous! I would love to go see the exhibit. I'm a little too far away but have family in Milwaukee & Janesville WI which isn't too far away. Maybe it will stay till I can get there.

[Kareni]

What a fun post, Anne; I enjoyed seeing all your creations. You are clearly a woman of many talents!

[Anne Gracie]

Thank you, Jeanne — I'd completely forgotten The Rackety-Packety House but I do, vaguely, remember it. I will try to hunt it down again. I still have the dolls' house I was given and a couple of the many boxes still unpacked contain the things to go in it. But they're not on display. I love that all yours are out on display for you to enjoy.

Just checked and the Racketty Packetty House is free on kindle. https://smile.amazon.com/Racketty-Packetty-House-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett-ebook/dp/B00847RNK6/

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Kareni — Making little fiddly things, like miniatures and jewellery helps feed my creativity in writing, I think. I will often get an idea for the current story while concentrating on making some tiny object.

[Patricia Franzino]

Hi Anne, sorry I confused who posted this great entry today.

I will take a look at The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge.

Your craftsmanship was so enjoyable to see in its beauty.

[Mary M.]

Those little chairs made from champagne wires! You are truly creative, Anne. Thanks for this post.

[Jeanne Behnke]

Anne yes! But for a couple dollars more you can get the story with illustrations! So worth it.

[Binnie Syril Braunstein]

Anne - I am interested in far too many things, miniatures and doll houses among them. I would have loved to have had a doll's house. My grandfather was very handy and could work with wood. He's already made me a small bookcase (for regular size books) and a miniature chest of drawers with a built-in mieeor. He painted it in "French Provincial. I still have both the book case and the chest of drawers. He promised me a doll house. But it never got made, because my grandfather died just before my 10th birthday. I always wanted that doll house and was determined to get it. And I did. Vicariously. In my thirda book, the hero is a wood worker. Somewhere in the story, he learns that the heroine has always wanted the doll house that her grandfather had not lived to build herr. (talk about "write what you know!" So our hero built her a gorgeous doll house. BTW - at one time - perhaps still - the Baltimore Museum of Art had a wall of tiny windows. Behind each was a different miniature doll house. They were mesmerizing! Thanks for a lovely column, Anne. And Happy Thanksgiving to all reading this column

[Anne Gracie]

No worries, Patricia — I did start by mentioning Christins'a "Tiny Things" blog. I think you'll enjoy The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge, and I'm glad you enjoyed the blog.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Jeanne, I will consider buying the actual book, but I'm going to need to have a huge cull of all my books soon, so at the moment I'm only allowing myself e-books.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Mary — I got the idea from a book, so I can't claim it as original. But they were fun to make. And part of the enjoyment for me is making things from stuff that you'd otherwise throw away.

[Anne Gracie]

Oh how sad, Binnie Syril — but how nice that you have some other of your grandfather's creations. They sound wonderful. I also love the sound of your story where the hero makes her a dolls' house. If you can, you must read the Rumer Godden dolls' house stories. I think you'll love them. I also had a dolls house in one of my stories — a Christmas novella called The Virtuous Widow.

And I love the sound of the Baltimore Museum of Art wall of tiny windows. I would love to see it. Next time I visit . . .
Adding my wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it.

[Annette N]

I was always too clumsy to have anything to do with tiny things. I am amazed at all the things I have seen in the pictures today. Wonderful talents. And terrific imaginations. I always admire people who are creative. I loved the champagne wire furniture. Your interest in all the tiny things is easy to understand. And the beauty created is easy to recognize. You have introduced me to wonderful things. And reading the comments, it is easy to see why so many people are so fascinated.
I thank you for the post and the wonderful pictures.

[Teresa Broderick]

I don't know how I missed that programme but I did! I LOVE dolls houses and always wanted one. Unfortunately it was not to be. We just had no money when I was growing up. I'm sixty next month so don't think I'll get one now :)
Lovely post Anne.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Annette. Beware, a fascination with tiny things can become addictive. *g*
I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks Teresa, I got it on Brit Box, streamed, but also you can find some of the episodes on youtube.
But I don't think you're ever too old to enjoy a dolls' house. Glad you enjoyed the post.

[Linda S]

Robin, you beat me to it! I was going to comment on the wonderful Chicago miniatures.
On a more mundane level , my dad built me a doll house in secret one Christmas. It was a wonderful surprise, an American ranch style house. The roof lifted off so I could move everything around from above. It was carpeted and furnished with store bought furniture. My dad,himself, collected miniature objects including books. One set of his books made it onto the American Antiques Road Show, along with my mother whom he had deputized to carry them.

[Kathryn Smith]

After my grandfather's sister, my Aunt Alice, passed away, I inherited her old German made doll house. Amazing the carefully hand made linens for the bed, clothing for the dolls, the hand made house, furniture, etc. Amazing miniature grand father clock that actually worked. The doll house I donated to a museum. The big shock for me was my Aunt Alice's town house, I went there with my parents to help clean the house, the interior was "frozen in time." As if I had stepped into a 1900s city town house, Victorian style furniture, & more. My grandfather's father was a scientist & chemist, his personal private lab with in the basement with his lab equipment, books, supplies. Shock.