Doll Houses

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Doll Houses

     I did a post a few days ago about dolls, and I'll do one in the future when I learn more about them. I was thinking what I could write about, and then the idea of doll houses came to mind. Of course, doll houses are not the size the the real dolls would be in. These houses were miniature houses  that would be furnished with furniture, bedroom decor, kitchen appliances, and other room in the house. 

   As you already know, I like to give exclusive posed for most of the houses up for sale was that there was not sting to just 1 auctioneer or collector, so I looked briefly, and found Dan Morphy auctioneers. What I was surprised to see was that in many of the lots up for auction, the houses were  not furnished. I did find one, and I'm sure I could have looked more to find others. What would be interesting would have been to see the actual decor of the period in the houses of the period.

   So for today's post, I'm presenting fine collectibles from the late 19th century and early 20th century. What I did notice is that the housed reminded me of the American houses that I see when I go to Burlington, Vermont. Again, I'd have to study the architecture of the time to match the dollhouses, but the examples presented today, do resemble the exterior design, including window facades, doors, and even the brick chimneys and roofs. 

The house above is my second favourite.I'm sure any architectural student who has to take a course in the history of architecture or early American or British architecture would appreciate the detail in this fine example of a doll house.

What dose become apparent is that you purchased the house, but then you had to furnish it. To access the interior, the outside wall of the front of the house  would open up with usually a latch. Also ,these houses were all hand-crafted by whom I assume were highly-skilled people, so they weren't mass-produced. Many of these houses remind me of architectural maquettes (models)that are used to present to developers or owners of homes.

The dollhouse above is my favourite because of the furnishings that came with the lot.

The lower right photo reminds me of houses in N.D.G. (Notre Dame de Grace), a "suburb" im the western end of Montreal or in parts of Westmount, bordering N.D.G.  Most of the homes were build anywhere form early 1900's to later on, and ou do see that wooden detail in many of the homes there. I also like the miniature samovar that you see resting on the cast iron oven.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always have a nice and restful Sunday.

Stacey