I have had a life-long love affair with dollhouse miniatures, and careers in art education and interior design. I hope to combine these life experiences to help other miniature enthusiasts get more out of this wonderful hobby we enjoy, a hobby that often reaches the level of an art form. Susan Downing
Charles Matton considered his Boxes to be enclosures for the recreation of life. He described his concept this way: “I create two kinds of boxes: those whose purpose is to recreate an atmosphere that has delighted me, a memory whose existence I wish to perpetuate; and the more objective pieces that are the result of a detailed examination of the ‘realistic truth’ of a certain place.”
Categories: modern, room boxes
Kevin Mulvany, Suzie Rogers, Harry Smith, and Robert Dawson are four of my favorite miniature artisans, whose work I never tire of studying. What they have accomplished with the Palace at Versailles for inspiration is truly amazing.
(more…)Categories: artisans, room boxes
Narcissa Niblack Thorne in her studio, found on Simanaitis Says
She was the wife of James Ward Thorne, son of one of the founders of Montgomery Ward. Her interest in miniatures began early and was encouraged by trinkets sent to her by her uncle, a Rear Admiral in the US Navy. This passion continued into her adult life.
In the 1920s, after World War I, the Thornes traveled extensively in Europe. Thanks to the terrible post-war economy, miniature collections were coming on the market at fire-sale prices.
Categories: collections, room boxes
Bluette Meloney with stacks of room boxes at Good Sam Showcase
Bluette Meloney passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2017. A nationally acclaimed IGMA Artisan in Faux Finishes, Bluette made distinctive 1:12 scale structures and hand-painted furniture. She used realistic decorative faux finishes and Trompe L’Oeil (fool the eye) painting
Categories: art deco, art nouveau, room boxes
