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Doll Houses are thought by some as merely a child’s toy or just miniature displays of wealth and social standing by the rich. They were used in the 18th century to teach domestic management duties to middle class young women and it wasn’t until mass production by the Germans initially that dolls houses became a genuine child’s toy.However, these miniature creations can also perform another useful function by preserving and commemorating significant architectural styles.As the actual buildings themselves fall before the bulldozer and developer, the expertly and loving crafted dolls house will keep an accurate picture of period styles alive.
Take for example the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Mackintosh one of the early pioneers of the Modern Movement. Among his major architectural works is Glasgow School of Art (now the Mackintosh Building), a series of Glasgow Tea Room interiors and large private houses such as Windy Hill in Kilmacolm and The Hill House in Helensburgh. Those who can’t trek to Scotland have a chance to appreciate Mackitosh’s unique take on architectural design by viewing a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-style dolls house in the Bethnall Green Museum, London. The miniature faithfully preserves details such the staircase newel post design taken from Martyr’s Public School, the front door reflecting 78 Southpark Avenue (Mackintosh’s own home) and the internal doors inspired by Craigie Hall.

In the same vein, Edwin Lutyens became the best known British architect of the early part of the 20th century.He created the Cenotaph in Whitehall and was one of the leading lights in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement.Famous for what was termed the “Surrey Style” in his domestic work, he also designed Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House which is now in Windsor Castle.The tall fancy chimneys and fireplaces of the Surrey Style are reproduced in many examples of dolls house, with large latticework windows, big roofs, dormer windows and heavy window frames and doors.

So before you dismiss dolls house as mere toys or the fads of obsessed collectors, remember that they at least portable and easily protected and care be very good learning toys. In future years, they may well be the only reminders of great artistic and architectural achievements when the real thing has crumbled to dust or made way for a shopping mall.