Tudor dollhouse on display at the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro, Virginia
What’s Under Your Stairs?
The P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro, Virginia has an enormous Tudor dollhouse under the stairs, just outside the gift shop. It was designed and built by Joe and Ellen Waterbury. The Waterbury’s were dollhouse enthusiasts and collectors of Ms. Moss’ artwork, who wanted to express their appreciation with an elaborate miniature.
The “count the mice” room in the Under The Stairs Tudor dollhouse.
The dollhouse has a miniature clock that keeps time and chimes each hour; handmade furniture designed to stay together with dowels and joints, no glue required; and tiny paintings made by the artist. Over the years, the staff at the Museum have added their own personal touches, such as vegetables on the porch in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, and a tree at Christmas.
How Many Mice?
Counting mice in the dollhouse is entertaining for youngsters and the young at heart alike. Many visitors amuse themselves by finding and counting the glass and wooden mice hidden in nearly every room of the house. The exact number of mice in the house changes from day to day in case there are repeat visitors. Visitors who find all the mice are given a sticker that reads, “I counted all the mice in the P. Buckley Moss Dollhouse.”
Pat Moss and a gallery of her work.
Pat Moss was trained at New York’s Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and draws inspiration from nature for much of her work.
Click on Ms. Moss’ picture for a link to a gallery of her work.
Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens
