Depending on your toy collection, you could be sitting on an absolute gold mine. Although the majority of us used toys for what they were and pretty much destroyed them, a few clever folk kept theirs in pristine condition. You might say that toys are made to be played with, but with news that vintage toys prices are reaching record levels, its hard not to wish you kept a few aside just to look at. continue reading »
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 purpose by preserving and commemorating significant architectural styles.At least the expertly and loving crafted dolls house keeps an accurate picture of period styles alive in a convenient package.
Take the works of Charles Rennie 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. continue reading »