MY DOLLS HOUSE

Here are some pictures of my own dolls house - a work in slow progress, but with some recent updates.

The house was built by Anglesey Dolls Houses and is being given a Gothic theme. The inspiration is generally Horror / Fantasy genre books and films, and now has an almost-full complement dolls in it specially made by myself. Many of the makers listed are no longer in business, or deceased, so I am glad I obtained the items when I could.

 Outside view of the house.

Interior showing room plan.

 

The Great Hall - Fireplace by Farthingale; Furniture by Tudor Time Miniatures, Michael Mortimer (9), and Masters Miniatures; Flooring by Richard Stacey; Chandelier by Grandad's Playroom; Dragon's head by Four Seasons Miniatures; Toys by St. Leger; Suit of armour from Jennifers of Walsall; Wall panelling from Anglesey Dollshouses; Spinning wheel by S & S Eismont; 'Dobby' by Miss Sally World  playing chess with Death.

 
wolf.jpg (22694 bytes) Wolf by the late Annie Willis

The Gateway leads to a very spooky graveyard and is guarded by the Headless Horseman. The ogre's head on the wall is by Kastle Kelm. The little cauldron was made many years ago by my grandfather, who was a brass-finisher by trade.

 

The Salon -  Morticia Adams is talking with Cousin It, made by my daughter Emma. Chaise by Perri's Miniatures;  Round table with bespoke dragon painted on top from De Minilaars; Chandelier by Rosel's Chandeliers USA;  Magical Cabinet by Four Seasons; Dragons in niches from TeePee; Console table by John Hodgson; Wing chair and footstool by Diane James; Plasterwork by Sue Cooke.

 

Music room - The cream chest is a music box that plays the theme from 'Phantom of the Opera'. The man in question can now be seen playing the parlour organ by Chrysnbon to accompany Christine's singing. Opera seat by Masters Miniatures.

 The carpet was my first (and last) foray into counted-thread work. Satisfying, but hard on the eyes.

Stairs - Top to bottom from left. The ghost has now been exorcised and gone to a new home. Some 'interesting' pictures are now appearing on the walls. Grandfather clock from Glenowen.

 Above - Bedchamber - Occupied by a Wolfman, vainly trying to shave away his excess hair! I had always intended to put a bogeyman on top of the bed canopy but now realise that I have no idea what he would look like - because he is always hiding.

Bed with coverlet hand embroidered by me. Notice fur coats and snow escaping from the wardrobe. Wonder where that's from? Bed and chest by Michael Mortimer (9), Sofa with octopus and mice by Four Seasons Miniatures.

 Library - Fully stocked with books, including the crazy stack by Kastle Kelm, and the Wizard is back in residence. Skeleton and Librarian by Four Seasons Miniatures (if you read Terry Pratchett you'll know why the librarian is an orangutan; Screen by Brooke Tucker. The hand with candlestick is a reference to 'Young Frankenstein'.

Attic - Furniture by Tudor Time Miniatures; Creatures by Four Seasons Miniatures. The poor mad woman in bed was the first doll I made for this house that will be staying. She is just for me, unlike the sleeping nurse, who may leave for a new post if required.

Tower - I have finally made progress with the tower extension.

Individual room pictures follow.

Kitchen - Dresser and table by Country Contrast; cooking equipment by The Village Wheelwright; Lantern by Wood 'n' Wool; 'Greebo' and 'Death-of-Rats' (Pratchett again) by Four Seasons Miniatures.

Dining Room - Count Dracula is preparing to welcome his next victim. Hand printed wallpaper by At Home With Mrs Hogarth; Chairs and Sideboard by Masters Miniatures; Chandelier by Ray Storey; Fireplace by Devon Dolls House Delights; clock by Vanilla Heart Miniatures; Plant by Lemon Miniatures, standing on tree-stump table by Kastle Kelm.

Laboratory - Lights and most glassware by Ray Storey; Creatures by Four Seasons (now trading as Magic, Mayhem and Me); Tables by Constance Irene and Old Charm Miniatures; Telescope, filled jars, wall dials and vulture by Kastle Kelm; Monster plant by 'Out of Africa'.

I have been asked a number of times how I did the stonework on the outside of the house, so here I am happy to share:

The exterior walls were first painted with a solution of PVA glue and water, then coated with Polyfilla, spread on in patches about 1/8th inch thick, then marked into stone shapes with an artist's palette knife before it set. When all was covered, I added many coats of paint before I was happy with the colours. Base coat was light grey emulsion, with further coats of dark grey, beige, brown, green, yellow, white and more light grey acrylic paint sponged on. This all took many weeks. Finally it was given two coats of matt varnish.
 
The walls of the stairs and attic were painted in a similar way - base coat of cream, then sponged with browns, greys and white.
 
The sloped part of the roof is covered in tiles cut from cereal card, painted and sponged. The flat roofs and turret are covered with real lead strip from the builders merchant, stuck on with double sided tape.

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