It was huge and with no definitive knowledge from the previous owner of its origin, I'd felt that it had probably been scratch built around the latter part of the 20th century. It had a real labyrinth of rooms, was in need of some real TLC, and to be honest, due to its size had resigned myself to that fact that this particular house would take a while to sell. But to my amazement the size made it more attractive to KT Miniatures customer - artist Veronica Tonge, who snapped it up pretty quick.Veronica was thrilled with it and felt it was absolutely perfect for her work. She has lovingly restored it and I understand that from the whacky old wiring plus one or two other aspects, the general consensus now is that it probably did originate a decade or so earlier than first thought ie. from the 1950s. But it has obviously had some considerable "modernisation" along the way. This has made it even more fascinating for Veronica.
And now....it can be seen in all its glory at a wonderful exhibition in Maidstone....please see the promotional poster below along with Veronica's official label text for the dolls house.....I recognise that stairwell in the photo!
In the Moment: Out of the Doll’s House
A comment on the social and personal
expectations of women before the ‘sixties revolution, when all our lives
changed and ‘do your own thing’ became the concept to live by.
My installation is set in a 1950s doll’s house
called Greenacres, which was modified by one of its previous owners to
incorporate some Victorian décor. Interestingly, the 20th Century
was still operating under many 19th Century restrictive values, but during
the Swinging ‘Sixties “Victoriana” became as popular and exciting for young
people as “Vintage” is now. The past can always be glamourised!
Suggesting and exploring memories of the
domestic and social restrictions of over half a century ago is to revisit a vanished
world, which I have symbolised by blocks of gossip and text reflecting real
issues.
In the shadowy rooms of Greenacres, ghosts
make for the harsh light of the contemporary world, and evaporate…
By Veronica Tonge
Sounds absolutely fascinating and I for one am planning on making my way over to Maidstone in Kent at some point in July to take a peek. Full address, details etc. can be found on the Gallery website - address is on the above poster.
And now for something very different....
Well....having been so blown away at seeing her latest brand new beautiful tiny creations at the Kensington Dolls House Festival, suggested to Deb about having a go at a possible Tri-ang type of dolls house.....and blimey, she didn't waste any time! These images landed in my inbox this week with the brilliant news that Deb was about to list it on Ebay and wanted to know what I thought about it....haha, what a question! Well, what could I say...other than of course it is absolutely STUNNING & AMAZING! It is not meant to be an exact copy of a Tri-ang but Deb describes it as "Tri-ang inspired" which sums it up perfectly.
The overall vintage patina has been captured perfectly and even the inside decor is beautiful....if you are a collector of vintage dolls houses and looking for an "old dolls house" to put inside your old dolls house.....then look no further, this is "must have"!
Deb has now put it up for sale on Ebay.....so if you want to purchase, do immediately go take a peek at the listing. By the looks of it, I can see that already people have noticed it and are bidding - am not surprised:
CLICK HERE
UPDATE! Deb has just told me that she has made some little furniture to go inside the house too....also up for sale on Ebay....Fantastic!
CLICK HERE
