Queen Mary described her doll’s house as ‘the most perfect present that anyone could receive’. A passionate collector of miniatures, especially those with royal connections, she greatly appreciated this tribute. The house was designed as a special present for the Queen because of her steadfast stand during the First World War.
The Idea of the Doll’s House
King George V’s cousin, Princess Marie Louise, who had artistic connections, first conceived the idea. (Queen Mary was the wife of King George V). Marie Louise discussed the idea with the famous architect, Sir Edward Lutyens, who agreed to construct the house. She also asked the best artists and craftsmen she knew to be involved.
Lutyens himself held what he called ‘Dollyleuyah Dinners’ at which he asked the famous people he knew to help with the interior of the house. Writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle contributed miniature, leather-bound books of their works; the leading furniture manufacturers of the day built special furniture; and famous artists who contributed paintings included Sir Arthur Munnings.
The Interior of Queen Mary’s Doll’s House
Queen Mary’s Doll’s House is over three feet tall and almost every item in it was constructed on a scale of 12 to one. It contains many intricate and beautiful objects but the house is also very realistic. This is because it was meant to represent an authentic depiction of the royal family’s life during that period.
The carpets and curtains in the doll’s house are all copies of real carpets and curtains. The bathroom has proper plumbing – there is even a flushing toilet! The chandeliers and the lifts are all in working order. The grandfather’s clock’s chimes can be heard upon every hour.
Indian marble in the doll’s house and hand-carved ceilings etched in gold leaf are just some of the exquisite details of this beautiful construction. The objects, however, range from luxurious to household items. For example, there are red and green dispatch boxes which are each embossed with gold ciphers and there is a fully operational strong room which holds miniatures of the Crown Jewels. However, such everyday items as Sunlight Soap and Coleman’s mustard can also be found.
The Queen’s Doll’s House was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition of Arts and Manufacturing in 1924. Over one million people went to see it. It is now owned by Queen Elizabeth II and can be seen at Windsor Castle.
Sources
Lutyen’s fabulous doll’s house for Queen Mary
The Queen’s Dolls’ House is explored by Lucinda Lambton
Lisa Sanderson - Lisa has been a freelance-writer for many years. She used to write for the topic, British Social History, for Suite 101 under the ...
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