Janice R. Andrews
A captivating collection of miniature wonders from Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House has been unveiled in a new exhibition at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, in honour of the establishment’s 100th anniversary.
One of the exhibit’s many miniature treasures is a miniature version of the Crown Jewels set with genuine diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and seed pearls. A working miniature grand piano, an antique Singer sewing machine with tiny scissors, and even a copper kettle made from a coin with the King’s head still visible on its base are among the amazing finds.
After World War I, the country commissioned Queen Mary’s Dolls’ home, which is regarded as the biggest and most well-known dolls’ home in the world, to be given as a present to King George V’s consort. The elaborately designed doll’s house has opulent bedroom suites, a grand saloon with silver thrones and crimson velvet, a day nursery, and a dining area with a fully functional wine cellar.
The show has contributions from over 1,500 elite artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers, including well-known brands like Faberge and Cartier, giving visitors an insight into the painstaking skill that went into making this masterpiece. Famous writers like AA Milne, Thomas Hardy, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle even wrote small books for its renowned tiny library.
The display’s curator, Kathryn Jones, expressed her enthusiasm at introducing a larger audience to the dollhouse treasures. “Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a constant source of fascination for visitors to Windsor Castle, as irresistible to adults as it is to children,” she stated.
Throughout 2024, the exhibition promises to enthral visitors and offer a singular chance to observe the beautiful craftsmanship and historical significance of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
