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
The Catherine Palace Amber Room found on The Magical Dollhouse
When Kathleen Savage Browning announced the acquisition of the Catherine Palace, I was pleased that a work by Robert Dawson would be at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. I run across his name often, when searching for article ideas and thought this would be a good time to learn more about him.
Categories: amazing miniatures, artisans, collectors, Great Dollhouses
Ken Haseltine’s Infinity Hall, a 1/12 scale ”work in progress” found on Flickr
Ken Haseltine is well known for his 1/6 scale work, suitable for the Barbie world. I haven’t been able to find much in the way of biographic information on Ken’s work in this world, so I’m making the assumption that Barbi is where the money is. But Ken works in the 1:12 scale world too. Take some time to enjoy some of these works.
Categories: artisans, room boxes
Mary Payne’s LoBue’s Barbershop
The picture of LoBue’s Barber Shop on my newsfeed caught my eye. The caption “A recreation of Mary’s grand father’s barbershop in Weehawken, NJ.” got my attention because preserving memories by making room boxes has always been the key in my interest in dollhouse miniatures all these years.
I contacted Mary Payne and got this reply:
“I don’t have much of a backstory for it. I never saw that barbershop. The outside was reproduced from a couple of old family pictures. We have no family members left that remember the inside so I used elements from several pictures of old barbershops I found online. If you want to see more of my work go to [our website]. All my work is photographed and posted by my husband. Most of the stores are memorials [of] family and friends who are gone.”
And what a lot of great work it is. Besides the wonderful barbershop room box, check out the rest of Mary’s basement.
Mary Payne’s Basement
I identify with Mary in that memories, and the emotions that flow from them, are the important part of my being a miniature enthusiast. If I can’t make everything myself or don’t have the time to learn to be a renaissance artisan, that’s all right. I’ll buy the wares of other skilled specialists in the dollhouse miniature universe.
Other enthusiasts have the desire to create museum-quality works of art, making all the items themselves. God bless them! I’m glad they have the drive and perseverance to make these wonderful creations. It shows me what can be accomplished and to show the heights craftsmanship it’s possible to reach.
Other room boxes by Mary Payne
Each of the room boxes to the right has a link to an expanded view. Click on the photo. It takes you to Mary’s section of the family webpage.
There is so much latitude in participating in the wonderful hobby .. or art form. Pick your spot on the spectrum. And knowing that we can change that niche whenever we want. Its just time and effort … and some skills.
Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens
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I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop where I offer many accessories and pieces of furniture in 1:12 scale.
Categories: artisans, room boxes
Doris, A Colvin Cleaning Lady
I love Sherri Colvin’s ability to treat such amazing facial expressions on her dolls. Not surprising, I guess, considering her fine arts background and work in portraiture. Her series of cleaning ladies is my favorite.
Susan
