Wednesday 6 February 2013

More stuff!!


In Britain there is a phrase we use which goes something like this ' You wait all day for a bus, and then three turn up at once!'. Well, I think that is something like what has happened on my blog, I've don't do a new post for over a month, and then do three in a week!

This post is part two of my list of recent purchases. This one focuses on things used in or around the kitchen, so there won't be any fancy gilding or Chinoiserie!



The first picture is a rather shameless, as there is only one thing in it which is new, and you would never guess unless I told you (which I will soon!), I just happened to think this shot was a rather good one of my Georgian House kitchen; which rarely gets seen. I love kitchens in dolls houses, they are always rather special, but they take AGES to fill up! Not helped by the fact that the kitchen/servants hall is the largest room in the whole house! You can see all the empty shelves still on the dresser, and the table looks full, but that is more of an optical illusion than anything.

As I mentioned in my last post, Tony Hooper was exhibiting in London for the last time in January (though the website is still open for a while) he was selling all his items at half price. I only discovered this when I was about to leave, as there were great crowds around his stall when I arrived, and I really don't do crowds! So much of his stock had gone, as had most of my ready money (Tony's stall was one away from John Hodgson's, which explains my lack of crinkle!) however, I bravely stood my ground and picked up a few little things to go inside my kitchen (and a few other things for a secret future project). The only new thing in the picture above, which was from Tony Hooper is the large pewter dish behind the marrows and hour glass on the dresser. I actually bought two of these dishes, the other is under the kitchen table.


And just so that you get a more or less complete picture of the kitchen here is a photo of the opposite wall.


Ah! but wait, there is another new purchase lurking in the above image too, can you see it? It's another miniature from Tony Hooper...



Well, yes it's the kettle, which is an unusual oval shape, and I thought looked suitable Georgian (though it may not be!) The 'brass' kettle was purchased from Kristin Baybars' shop; I have no idea of its maker, but it is nicely detailed. It lives on the range in the pub, and keen eyed bloggers might have noticed it before on previous pictures.


Here is my miniature version or Where's Wally. Can you spot the new things in this room? Ok, here's a clue, they are on the tray next to the plates! Two divine little spoons! This picture by the way, is the servants' hall. The servants' hall contain old fashioned furniture that once had pride of place in the old manor house that was demolished to make way for the new house! Not nearly elegant enough for an 18th century gentleman's home, so consigned to the servants quarters! ;o)


Another new purchase in the Georgian kitchen is this marble slab with wet fish. Made by Et Cetera. The fish are beautifully painted and have very fine detail, I think they are lovely!


And here are some food items which are in the kitchen at The Swan. The toast rack has been mentioned before by some of you. It was again a miniature made by Et Cetera. The frying pan with full English breakfast on the go, was a nice find at Kristin Baybars' shop; I think they should have cooked the bacon a little earlier as it still looks a little raw, and the egg is almost done! Ah! I'm getting hungry now, and I don't even eat red meat!

37 comments:

  1. Hello Andy,
    Well, you definitly got on the right bus my friend. All your new minis are wonderful and the pictures of the rooms are fantastic. what is this surprise project I wonder...
    Enjoy your new little treasures.
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac

      Thanks, pleased you like the new pictures! I can't really say too much about my project as it's for someone very close to me, who pops in to read my blog sometimes!

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  2. Is that Downton's miss O'Brien i see lurking around the corner? ;)
    I don't know why but i find the marble slap with the fish fantastic. They look so realistic. I must admitte i have never been in a shop where they sell miniatures but i am putting Kirstin Baybar's shop on my "Must Visit" list. gr. AM

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    1. I think Miss O'Brien only needs a broomstick, and her whole character would be complete!

      She's a little out of period for this kitchen! ;o)

      The fish are great aren't they, I saw them and thought I had to have them.

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  3. You are THE luckiest boy in Miniatures Land! I have the feeling that your kitchen will 'fill up' all in short time. You are so right about kitchens and I've totally changed my mind about putting one in Merriman Park. Not sure exactly HOW, but that's half the fun, right? SECRET PROJECT?!? You are SUCH a tease.

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    1. Hi John!

      Love to see a kitchen in Merriman Park! Maybe you could make a basement of something? Would be a great project for you. It's great fun to find all the right bits and pieces.

      Get your thinking cap on! (very Bagpuss!!*)

      Oh well I can't say too much about my project, I t might not even happen yet, it's only an idea!

      *Bagpuss is a kids TV show from my not so distant youth!! a saggy old cloth cat who used a thinking cap!

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  4. I LOVE all your little purchases, Andy! There is something about those tiny added details that just make SO MUCH difference to the whole look! That kettle is unusual and very beautiful! I could go for a good English Breakfast about now... even though it is supper time over here! And I agree with AM those fish are Fantastically real looking! I love these close up visits to your Houses!!! Please keep them coming!!!

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    1. Hi Betsy!

      I can't remember the last time I had a full English breakfast! I prefer my eggs boiled or poached, maybe scrambled (YUM!!) with Marmite on the toast; our America friends smuggle Marmite back to the States because they say it's not available there.

      Anyway!! I had no plans about what I would buy when I went to the London show, which is unusual, as I usually have a few things I want to find, even if I don't actually get them! I hadn't intended to but stuff for the kitchen, but pleased I have as it had been neglected a bit last year.

      More new pics of the house soon I promise!

      Andy xxx

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  5. Ive noticed its very hard to do a miniature kitchen in this period setting but yours is great and all your new little "things" fit perfectly. Im a little jealous!

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    1. Hi Tina,

      well, it's taken a long time to get what I have so far, and it still needs a lot more! A good place to start for the kitchen is Sussex Crafts www.sussexcrafts.com

      They are a great little company, all hand finished miniatures, all beautifully detailed, their customer service is excellent too! I recommend them to anyone.

      The good thing about kitchens is that it's usually quite rustic and heavy, even in grand houses, so can be made quite easily at home with a few basic tools.

      Andy

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  6. The food looks great and I love those two kettles. The kitchen is coming along nicely! looking forward to your progress.

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    1. Hi Troy thanks, looking forward to seeing more of your future purchases. Did you move house yet?

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  7. Love the purchases. I must agree with everyone else about the fish, they look amazingly real sitting there.

    I also agree that the bacon is FAR from ready to eat. I'm afraid the egg will be quite cold by the time that finishes cooking.

    Dale

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    1. Hi Dale,

      yes cold eggs or raw bacon, neither sounds appetising does it! ;)

      I love the fish, I think they look quite realistic.

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  8. Your kitchen is lovely and HUGE, enjoy filling it up. The black kettle is wonderful, crowded tables are not my thing either, but I always suspect they are crowded for some good reason. The fish looks great, but I think I will pass on the bacon too, I like mine crispy and brown!

    Someone else with a secret, goody, we can form a group called Secretive Miniaturists or something, naming things were never my strong point though.

    Have a great week Andy, loved having you posting such a lot suddenly.

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    1. Hi Elga, thanks, pleased you've enjoyed my recent posts, working on a couple more posts, but may take a bit of time.

      SecretMiniatures.blogspot.com it wouldn't have much to see on it would it!! ;)

      I don't eat bacon much, I tend to avoid red meat, but the smell when it's cooking can be irresistible! a bacon sandwich can be very comforting too!

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  9. Hey Andy, you did a lot of beautiful purchases and they look so well in your house. My compliments! Liduina.

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    1. Hello Liduina,

      Many thanks, I am pleased you approve!

      Andy xx

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  10. Kitchens (of any era) do take time to fill up...I still have an empty refrigerator and near-empty pantry in mine, and you'd think it would be so easy in a contemporary house.

    Is that a McQueenie Miniatures dresser? I've had my eye on the same one for a while.

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    1. Hi Anna,

      Yes, I have seen lots of miniature packages at dolls house fairs, but the cost adds up, so a well stocked fridge and larder would certainly take me a while to fill too!

      It is a McQueenie Dresser yes, well spotted! The table and benches are too. The kits are well worth buying, always great quality!

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  11. ¡Qué bonitas compras y cómo me gusta tu cocina!Los detalles que hay en ella son preciosos. Buen trabajo. Besos

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  12. Andy! So many wonderful additions. What great finds, there are so many to mention.

    The first thing I did think was what is Andy doing with all that red meat slapped on the table. I guess there weren't many vegetarians around in Georgian days.I do love your spoons, I made an addition of cutlery recently and I must say it really finishes things off nicely. I agree with every one those fish are great! I love the two kettles as well...very nice. I love the pie and the jugs and the copper pan, gee Andy, you have added so much. It is such a big kitchen. The great thing is your house is finished so you can just keep filling it up!

    Hmmmm!! Whats this secret project about??? I am going to twist your arm up your back till I get it out of you!!!

    ML Fi xx

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    1. Hi Fi,

      yes, I will fill it up slowly over time. It's surprising what I have bought for it already! But as it is so large it doesn't look like there's much in it even now! One of my favourite pieces in the kitchen is the jug on the servants table, made by a lady in France. it's a great little think. There is a hand painted jug on the dresser I love too. In fact I love jugs generally! (no rude comments here please, this isn't a Carry On film!).

      Andy xx

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  13. Fantastic purchases - and just the right stuff to "pimp up" your gorgeous kitchen even a little more. What I really like about blogging (next to many other things of course) is that the little things get their own showtime. Once the project is finished all those lovely details will be part of the big picture, but on our blogs we keep the memory of their individual beauty. Oh, and take my advice - you should better tell us about that secret project very soon!!! ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit,

      Yes, you are absolutely right. all those little things can have a moment to shine in the spotlight before they become part of the bigger picture in the dolls house! I love seeing what other people have bought too, I'm just so nosey!! ;o)

      Andy xx

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  14. You have an very good equipped kitchen, Andy, the details makes the kitchen ;)! You have done some nice purchases, love all those details: there is so much to see......
    Hmm secret project????? You make me curious.
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Hi Ilona, my secret project is something I may or may not make for David. It's only a thought in my head so far.

      pleased you like the kitchen.

      Andy xx

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  15. It's nice to have a little update with rooms and add bits as and when you find them. I find it renews my interest in them. You've chosen some lovely pieces and I do like your oval kettle.

    Very intrigued by the "secret project"!

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    1. Hi Irene

      I am pleased you like the new purchases, and yes, it was nice to get some new photos of the kitchen, as I didn't look at it much last year!

      for secret project see above!

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  16. Hi Andy,

    poor Liduina of Miniature houses seems to have lost all the photos on her blog. I remember when you completely lost you blog and was wondering if you had any tips for her.

    ML Fixx

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    1. Not sure Fi,

      I had to start all over again with a new blog!

      can she contact anyone at Blogspot?

      Delete
  17. More pics of the kitchen, great! I love kitchens, they tell you all about the inhabitants.
    Now I've had a much better view and I love every bit of it! I can just imagine impressive Georgian diners being prepared in there.
    Love all of your purchases too, this oval kettle is such a special find... the toast in the toast rack..
    Great!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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    1. Hi Gee,

      I hope the cooks have enough to make a decent Georgian feast!
      Thanks for your kind words!

      Andy xx

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  18. ¡Hola Andy!

    No sabía que Tony Hooper estuviera liquidando, es una verdadera lástima que tantos buenos artesanos se estén retirando. Espero poder hacerme con algo de él antes de que todo se termine. Tu cocina se ve encantadora, a pesar de que le falten detalles, pero bueno, es cómo en nuestras casas de verdad, siempre estamos buscando nuevas cosas.

    ¡Un abrazo enorme!

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  19. Hello Pedrete
    Yes I was surprised Tony Hooper was giving up too, I know of at least five miniature crafts people who have retired in the past year!

    Maybe it is the economy!?

    Pleased you like my new purchases!

    hugs
    Andy xxx

    Hola Pedrete
    Sí me sorprendió, Tony Hooper estaba dando demasiado, no sé de al menos cinco personas artesanías en miniatura que se han jubilado en el último año!

    Tal vez es la economía?

    Encantado que te gusten mis nuevas adquisiciones!

    abrazos
    Andy xxx

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  20. Cette cuisine est absolument magnifique!! BRAVO

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