The Kensington Dollshouse Festival at London Craft Week

A collectors room of curiosities by Coral Coad Miniature World

Dinky Delftware by Sallanne Meekins Ceramics

Georgian splendor by Steve Putnam Design

I intended to go to the Kensington Dollshouse Festival, part of London Craft Week to see some small and perfectly formed kitchen furniture. To have fun sharing some of these dinky versions of real life… thinking the Pluck community would also appreciate these mini-kitchens. What I hadn’t expected to encounter was stall upon stall of exquisite craftsmanship, makers who had spent decades honing their craft, passion and often obsession. People so so in tune with the detail – striving for perfection in their miniatures of historic houses, furniture, jewellery, ceramics, baskets, silverware and more…

Teenie Teapots by Sallanne Meekins Ceramics

Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie by Anthony Dunham

When I arrived the entrance queue was coiled around the block and I felt relieved I had got a ticket in advance…and realised I had seriously underestimated the popularity of the event. Chatting to the lady behind I also realised I had also failed to understand the reverence people have for this festival – an annual gathering of the best British and international makers. She had two doll’s houses, Georgian architecture, stuffed with furniture that she had spent decades collecting, curating and arranging and though space was fairly tight she said, with a little wink, she would most definitely be investing in new pieces today.

I learnt that this was the first festival since the death of founder Caroline Hamilton – an inspiring, forceful figure – respected, revered and much loved, whose obituary was a fascinating read. There was a little reminiscing about the closure of an iconic and magical north London toy shop belonging to Kristin Baybars, an eccentric character, who created a unique ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of miniature delights. 

Feeling exhilarated about the world I was about to enter, I bid goodbye to my informative queuing companion and entered the world of masterly miniatures that I spent hours exploring. Here is some of the exquisite work I saw…

The Arabian Hall in Leighton House by Mulvany & Rogers

Cigarettes, tea and chocolate for the dolls…the staples sorted⁠

Self-assembly furniture options by Steve Putnam Design

Chandeliers by ⁠The Little Dollhouse Company 

Majolica vegetable ceramics and ‘Bearded Man’ jugs by by Sallanne Meekins Ceramics… wheelthrown!

Mid-century table and chairs by Masters Miniatures

Dinky dressers and tiny tables by The Little House at The Priory 

Christmas decs from Valerie Claire Miniatures

Silverware by Jens Torp

Suffragette jewellery by Sun Lemmens

Glassware⁠ by Entranced Glass

Christmas decoration kits from Valerie Claire Miniatures

…when I emerged the real world felt disorientating and bizarrely oversized! Does a part of me now yearn for a doll’s house? Yes of course! I understand now why these perfect mini-worlds are not just the preserve of childhood…the idea of sourcing and collecting beautiful pieces of furniture handmade by talented craftspeople, decorating rooms, choosing wallpaper and fabric…also, it means a huge Georgian pile is no longer just a dream!