As expected, I had a great time at the Summer Kensington Dollshouse Festival in London last weekend. Devoted miniaturists started lining up early with their carry bags (I was among the first 50 at 9:15 am for an 11:00 am opening) and soon the line snaked around the Kensington Town Hall courtyard and around the block. The entrance is under the overhang on the right--on the left is the line as it snaked around the plaza and continued down to Kensington High Street. I met a number of friends from around the world who were also in line -- catching up was a good way to pass the time till the doors opened.
Two perspectives on the line from where I was....fortunately it was a beautiful sunny and warm day so people didn't complain much. The Festival had helpers passing out the show booklet which was perused avidly in the interim.
Once in the door I did a quick reconnaissance mission around the three floors just to get situated and to pick up a few things I knew would disappear if I didn't jump on them. The main floor had the most artisans so that's where I spent the majority of my time. You can see the floor plans here: http://www.dollshousefestival.com/kensington/floor-plans/floorplans.pdf
I had placed orders in advance with a number of artisans so I was able to save those stands for last. Of course I had to stop and greet friends so it took me quite a while to make the circuit. I was happy to see and chat with Leslie and Lyndel Smith (painted furniture and oil paintings), Susan and Andrew Bembridge (wallpaper and fabric), Sue and John Hodgson (gilt furniture and accessories), Karen Griffiths and Peter Armstrong (Stokesay Ware), Susie Rogers and Kevin Mulvaney, Rohit and Radika Kahanna (furniture), Jens and Shaney Torp (sterling silver), Charlotte and Martin Wilmott (Mousehouse Miniatures), Jan and Paul Brownlee (Country Treasures), Annie Willis (Fine Designs), Liz LePla and her sister Kate (ELF Miniatures), Marie France Beglan and her sister Catherine Muniere (dolls)...never mind, I can't list them all!
Mulvaney and Rogers were showing a recently completed project for a Middle Eastern prince. It is a department store and simply amazing. I got a few photos but not as many as I wanted because there were so many people crowded around the structure every minute of the day.
This is the front. I wish I could have gotten the woman in brown to move but she stubbornly refused.
The window on the left--The Princess and the Pea! My favorite fairy tale!!!!
The right window. I don't know who she is but look at that dress!
Here's the inside--as much of it as I could capture. That's the furniture department on the top floor. Shoes on the left on the next floor, then dresses and a dressing room on the next floor, handbags on the ground floor on the left, jewelry and sunglasses in the middle next to the entrance, and the final room on the right has vases and I think dishes.
My favorite was the handbag department. Long before I collected miniatures I collected handbags. Love the mini red Birkin on the display table.
It's a really impressive structure and every little detail is perfect.
Fit for royalty indeed!
