Sunday 26 May 2013

Kensington


The day after we returned from our little holiday, I trekked off to London to visit the Kensington Dolls' House Festival. I went on Saturday, which seems to be the first day of the show now, rather than Friday. It was very busy inside, but there were some great miniatures and some lovely artisans at the show as usual! 

I bought several things, and won't show you everything, but I was very excited to finally be able to purchase this Stokesay Ware dinner service. It's the jubilee pattern, which I think was launched last year.  I was torn between this one or the Greek Key design that Stokesay Ware also do.  If my memory is correct (which it may very well not be!!) this pattern is based on a Royal Worcester one from the early 19th century, so fits well with the Regency/Georgian period my house is set in.

I have been looking at the Stokesay Ware china for many years now, since I first started going to the dolls' house shows. I admit that it did cost more than I would usually pay for a miniature, and had to use the Fantastic Plastic to help pay for it, but decided to go for it at last. 


Here it is in all its miniature glory! I did check, and will still be able to add to the set over the next few years if I need to. I bought four place settings, and could get more over time. I love the vegetable dish and soup tureen particularly!
                                    

I think this shot gives a clearer image of the pattern on the china. You may have noticed the teapot depicted on the box is in the same pattern, so I think a tea service must also be available.


And here is the service laid out on the dining room table (which is crying for a table cloth!) I also gave the silver a little polish as some of it was starting to get very tarnished, but think I need to silver jewellery dip rather than the silver cloth I have, as I can't clean all the fine details. (you might also notice the hand painted plate I bought at Miniatura has found a home on the mantle shelf of the fireplace, replacing a Victoria Fasken one).

Do you remember my quandary over the Bonheur-du-Jour a few weeks ago? Gee very sensibly suggested that I do not pass judgement upon it until it has been bought to life a little with some suitable accessories. Well, taking his advice, and my own HOTlist (thanks John!! x) I looked out for some things to dress the bonheur with...


And here is the result! The beautiful bird is by Veronique Cornish and fits in with the other bird ornaments in the room by the same artist. The letters are copies of genuine ones complete with wax seals (before envelopes were invented!), Made by Ellie de Lacy, a STEAL at £2.50 a pack, I bought two packs of assorted letters and used them to fill the bonheur and the bureau bookcase in the parlour. 
The little leather-bound book is also by Ellie de Lacy, and is actually a 1/24th scale book, but I thought it was just right for the bonheur. I also found a tiny pair of spectacles (just about visible behind the chair) from Truly Scrumptious. 


Here's another shot. I am very happy with the result, and think the bonheur works better in the room now it is dressed, though I would still like one or two more things for it, an ink well and quill maybe, I have some keys I might use too, but all in good time! Thank you for the advice Gee!


And here is another shot showing more of the bedroom. Fi will be thrilled to know that I am now planning to start work on the bed covers and curtains (ONCE I HAVE FOUND A PRETTY PLEATER - which seem to be as rare as hen's teeth in the UK!).

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Meanwhile, at the Swan Inn...


For a long time I have been thinking of getting a wife for the pub landlord, why not? everybody needs somebody to love as Queen once said (or sang!). Well, I had a bit of trouble finding a female doll that fitted the period and had the right look (this from someone who wasn't ever going to have dolls in his houses!!). Mid 20th century dolls are actually quite hard to get hold of, there tend to be mostly Victorian, Georgian and Elizabethan dolls about. However, after looking out for a suitable wife at several shows to no avail, I finally found one I liked! It is by Woodside Dolls, who made all the other pub dolls. I love her floral house-coat, but what I liked most about her was that she looks quite a bit like my own mother (a psychologist would probably have a field day after that little confession LOL!!). 


I am going to call her Jennifer in honour of my mother. She looks a little plump on all the traditional British food (she loves her cottage pie, cheese scones and trifle, and she makes a great roast dinner!!) but is quite healthy with all the fresh country air about her. Trouble is, I can't remember what name I gave her husband downstairs behind the bar! (He certainly isn't going to be called Thomas, Mum! I'm not letting you make that mistake again!!)

Well, there you have it! I did buy a few other bits and pieces, and I might do another post on those sometime, but these were my main purchases.

23 comments:

  1. No dolls in your dollshouses... this sounds soooooo familiar to me! *grin* But okay, for me it's my own bears and you have changed your plans in the meantime... I love your landlord's wife, she looks nice and friendly but I have no doubt she can talk business. Your dinner service is breathtaking, good you had the magic plastic with you - sometimes it's good to give yourself a little reward, especially with pieces so well done. And not to forget, your little bonheur - you brought it to life now.

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit

      I adore your bear creations and think they look wonderful in the homes you create for them!! I was always a little anti-doll, but I think the pub project needs dolls to bring it to life. When I look at old pictures of The Swan, without any people in it, it looks really cold and empty!

      Pleased you like the china, and thanks for your comments on the bonheur too!! ;)

      Hugs
      Andy xx

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  2. Hello Andy,
    What wonderful treasures you brought home. I am so happy you found the landlord a wife. She is lovely! I adore StokesayWare and they were my first high end mini purchase. The Jubilee set is just gorgeous!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac,

      I am pleased to know that I am in such good company when it comes to owning miniature china! ;o) I think Jennifer was a bit miffed when she found out the dinner service wasn't destined for the pub!! LOL!

      Hugs
      Andy xx

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  3. The dinnerware is exquisite. It looks so lovely set out on the table. Also the landlord's wife is wonderful. She looks a calm contented but strong character and I am sure she will keep an eye on the comings and goings of her husband and the patrons. She reminds me of a lovely old neighbour I used to have in that housecoat.

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    1. Hello

      The housecoat is lovely isn't it, I remember people wearing those when I was a child, but they were rather old fashioned even then. I think the only other time I remember seeing them was in 'Last of The Summer Wine' A TV show set in Yorkshire, which was on for years and years!!

      Hugs
      Andy xx

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  4. I admire the Stokesay Ware every time I go to a show but have never bought any. The Jubilee set is gorgeous. It looks right at home in your dining room. Sounds like you had a blast at Kensington

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    1. I guess much of the Stokesay china doesn't fit in with your modern style miniatures. I am a great admirer of Sally Meekins' China too, especially her 1950s-60s designs, which would look amazing in a miniature retro shop! (what happened to your corner-shop project by the way?).

      I loved Kensington, usually do. I always imagine I am going to bump in to loads of people from blogland, but I never see anyone!! ;o)

      hugs
      Andy xx

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  5. I love Stokesay ware and have a couple of items, the dinner service was always on my want list.

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    1. I know just what you mean, I always went home regretting not having bought any, so this year I bit the bullet!!

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  6. These new purchases are really treasures, Andy, my gosh they are sooo beautiful. You have an excellent taste ;)!
    The Stokesay Ware is a feast for the eye. Once in a year on the fair in The Netherlands I see them and I must visit their booth every time to see their (new) treasures. Your Jubilee set is gorgeous like your new doll is, enjoy it!
    But now I whisper something in your ear: do you know Gee is a she ;)?? I hope you don't mind, I guess Gee will laugh out loud, if she sees this in my comment.......isn't it, Gee??
    Anyway, enjoy your treasures, Andy!!
    Big hugs, Ilona

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    1. Hello Ilona,

      EEK!! I had better change Gee from a he to a she before Gee founds out she's a he!! I hope she doesn't mind the misunderstanding, Gee being a male name in the UK!

      I should have bought a few pieces of Stokesay china at each fair over the years, but there was always something else I needed! I thought to myself 'If you don't buy it now, you probably never will do!'.

      Thanks for the whisper in the ear!! ;o)

      Hugs
      Andy xx

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  7. i think that I NEEED some Sotkesayware pieces, I have the same doubt: Jubilee or Georgian Key? Anyway, both are excise!!! And the new look of the "bureau" is really pretty!

    Hugs!

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    1. Hi, Thanks, I am pleased you like the bureau! The Greek Key design is gorgeous too isn't it!!? I always thought that that is the set I would have, but the Jubilee set had the edge over the Greek Key, I love its pattern!

      Hugs
      Andy xxx

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  8. Dear Andy,
    What a nice story. Your dinnerware is so beautiful. I love it that you found a wife for the man. Was real life as simple as the dollhouse world.
    Hugs Dorien

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    1. Hello Dorien,

      Yes, I think the pub landlord deserved to have a wife after all these years propped up behind the bar! ;o) I think he could use some good home-cooked food!!

      hugs
      Andy xx



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  9. AAAWW, I LOVE your Mum!!! She looks so Happy and Sweet!!! And I am Sure she is Honored to be a mini figure in your Doll world... um I mean Doll House!!! :):)
    (I have to confess the I named my "Grandparent" dolls after my Grandpa and Grandma.... Grandpa Charles was the one who built the Lovely Old Dollhouse for me!!!)
    As for the China... I hear so much about Stokesay ware... It is the Queens china I am sure!!! I only hope it is a long time before I am tempted to upgrade to the best China...I am still trying to get rooms done that Require china at all! LOL! The pattern you have chosen is very elegant and Perfect for your Georgian House! I am glad you finally indulged! I also LOVE the details you added to the Bonheur... the smaller book is very realistic as they had tiny books in the eighteenth century.... often a "pocket" version of the Bible or Psalms.... or just an "Almanac" filled with facts... and I also love the china bird.... it is the details that make a place come alive!

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    1. Hi Betsy,

      My mum is probably the last person to be surprised to find me playing with dolls!! ;o)

      It would be great to finish one room off at a time, but I just can't do that myself! I lack the focus I suppose, or just see so many miniatures I want to own for various rooms in my dolls houses!! I have a dolls house project abandoned from last year that is still all in pieces in the workshop!

      The books has pictures of wild flowers inside, which I thought was lovely. The bird is great isn't it!? I fell in love with it when I saw it and knew exactly where it was going to go. I did wonder afterwards whether it might be too big, but I am very happy with it and think it looks perfect on the bonheur!

      hugs
      Andy xxx

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  10. I LOVE your new china, Andy --it's gorgeous! How I wish I had brought home a whole set from the Chicago show. Oh well, guess it will just have to remain on my HOTList, lol! Gee was right about accessorizing your Bonheur-du-Jour: it looks perfect, now. That little book is too cute for words. Let me know if I can send you a Pretty Pleater --it turns out they are made just a few miles from where I live! Who knew? And your new doll/mother substitute-figure is simply charming! Thanks for sharing.

    XOXO,
    John

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    1. John, do you get a discount on Pretty Pleaters?

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  11. I absolutely love the new China - so elegant. Very realistic looking and beautiful. Keep up the good work. Troy

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  12. Hi Andy,
    Hahahaha, I've read your post and Ilona's whisper :D LOL!!

    Love the items you have placed in and on the Bonheur!
    Now I can just imagine someone taking a seat on that chair any moment, to write a letter or to read...

    Your service is also beautiful; very delicate and it's so thin!
    The pattern used is ever so chic; the room with all it's additions is a real moment captured in time.
    I don't know if it is just me, but my eye is drawn from the service to that gorgeous mirror on the wall, to the paintings... I like it when your eyes decide where to go and not the mind... if that makes any sense at all :))

    I agree with all the above who like your landlords' wife.
    She looks like being a warm person who loves to cook and I'm sure she will take good care of him :)

    Thanks for showing your purchases, enjoy them!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  13. Hi Andy,

    Sorry I'm so late! I just had to switch off for a while to get these commissions finished and delivered. All done now....but on to the next one soon...: (

    Any way, I just LOVE your dinner set, it's so pretty, the gravy boat is just divine with the gold finish inside. It all looks beautiful on your dining table, well done! And it seems you did find the perfect place for your plate, it looks lovely there. The writing dest looks right at home with the lovely little additions, I really do think it's all about making it looked lived in. I'm so glad to hear your are one step closer to doing the bedding, I can't wait to see it!

    As for Jenny, she's perfect, what a lovely face she has and I definitely think she can do better than any old Tom, Dick or Harry!

    ML Fi XX

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