Here at the auction gallery the warehouse is always full of interesting and unusual items. On a recent house clearance we collected a wonderful collection of dolls, teddy bears and would you believe it over 30 dolls houses.

So this week I thought I would tell you about the history of dolls houses. The fashion for dolls houses or ‘Baby Houses’ as they were originally known, first began in Germany in the 16th Century. Unlike today’s dolls houses they were not simple children’s toys. Their exact purpose is unclear, but the expensive craftsmanship and level of detail suggests these dolls houses were, at least in part, an ostentatious display of wealth. The front of these houses would open like a china cabinet on hinges that could be closed and locked. They were also thought to be a way for young aristocratic women to learn the art of furnishing and running a home. Purpose built rooms such as ‘Nuremberg Kitchens’ were the height of popularity by 1800 and a teaching tool of domestic skills. They often included a hearth, cooking pots and sweeping brush. 

The earliest surviving example of a British dolls houses dates to around 1695 and was reputedly brought by Queen Anne for her goddaughter. 

Early 18th century dolls houses were often made by artisans in their own homes who were commissioned to make replicas of their customers homes. However with the advent of the Industrial Revolution factories began mass producing dolls houses and miniatures suitable for furnishing them.  The most famous companies were Gebruder Bing, Marklin and Moritz Gottschalk. It was not until the 19th century that dolls houses were made for children to play with. After World War II dolls houses were mass produced with less detailed craftsmanship with the typical dolls house made of sheet metal and filled with plastic furniture.

One of the most famous dolls houses is Queen Mary’s dolls house at Windsor Castle. It was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens in 1924 a leading architect of the time and was built to a scale of 1/12th. It was first exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition before being moved to Windsor Castle where it can still be visited today. It is approximately 5 feet tall and contains sixteen rooms and took four years to complete. Over 1500 tradesmen contributed to the building. The dolls house  even has working plumbing and lights. Famous writers of the day such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling were asked to contribute special hand written miniature books and artists painted the miniature pictures that adorn the walls. Tucks the famous postcard manufacturer produced a series of forty-eight postcards showing the dolls house, the various rooms and objects within them. I am lucky enough to own a bound set of these cards myself. 

So if you are interested in buying or selling a dolls house do come down to see us at Sheffield Auction Gallery.