Meet the Miniaturist

LDF Organiser Charlotte Stokoe will be talking to Darren Scala on a live webinar on Sunday 31st January 2021

Thanks to everyone who tuned in to listen to the webinar last night with Darren Scala & LDF Organiser Charlotte Stokoe. Unfortunately, there was limited space, so if you did not manage to get through, you can log onto Darren’s website HERE where you will be able watch a recording of the webinar from Tuesday 2nd February.

Darren will be chatting to Charlotte Stokoe

Charlotte was bitten by the miniatures bug at an early age and owned a dolls house shop in London before heading up the festival in 2004.

In 2015, she created the Perfection in Miniature Awards (PIMA) which challenges miniaturists to create the most beautiful miniatures in the world and rewards and recognizes artisans for their masterful creations.

Darren will chat with Charlotte, hear all about the show circuit, how she has impacted the world of miniatures with the PIMA awards and see exclusive video of some of the entrants.

To register, please CLICK HERE.

London Dollshouse Showcase

Established in 1985, the London Dollshouse Festivals have been searching the globe for the best craftsmen who can perfectly replicate every day life in miniature. We have artists from all corners of the world attending our London shows. These craftsmen specialise in all aspects of miniatures from a grand, fully decorated mansion to a humble clothes peg & everything in between.

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LDF ONLINE SHOWCASE: Get ready

Work never stops at LDF HQ & we are already planning our next event which is the LDF Online Showcase, taking place between September 4th – 10th 2023. This is a unique event as it all takes place online so you can visit the show without leaving the comfort of your sofa!

Access to this showcase is via our website. As the show approaches, you will find links for the showcase on our homepage, but the actual site will be accessible from 11am BST on Monday 4th September. NO REGISTRATION OR PAYMENT is necessary to access the showcase.

The beauty of this show is that we can bring you work by craftsmen who are currently unable to attend our shows in London. Most of these makers are creating a special collection that will only be available to purchase via our showcase. These photos are of work by a few of these talented craftsmen who are already signed up for the show. The full exhibitor list can be found on our website & it is growing every day!

1: @vitreus_ignis is an outstanding glass blower who creates the most spectacular glasswork in miniature. Based in Spain

2: @miniaturesartlittle wrought iron beds are so evocative & beautifully detailed. Based in Spain.

3: NEW EXHIBITOR! @kamilla.dlugowolska makes the finest baskets & wicker effect furniture. Based in Italy.

4: @wendysminis has the most amazing selection of genuine miniscule fossils, rocks & natural history specimens. Based in the US.

5: @emilychan1225 creates adorable baby & child dolls full of character & beautifully detailed. Based in Malaysia.

LDF Online Showcase
September 4th – 10th 2023
Access via our website.

#miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #onlineevent

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LDF ONLINE SHOWCASE: Get ready Work never stops at LDF HQ & we are already planning our next event which is the LDF Online Showcase, taking place between September 4th – 10th 2023. This is a unique event as it all takes place online so you can visit the show without leaving the comfort of your sofa! Access to this showcase is via our website. As the show approaches, you will find links for the showcase on our homepage, but the actual site will be accessible from 11am BST on Monday 4th September. NO REGISTRATION OR PAYMENT is necessary to access the showcase. The beauty of this show is that we can bring you work by craftsmen who are currently unable to attend our shows in London. Most of these makers are creating a special collection that will only be available to purchase via our showcase. These photos are of work by a few of these talented craftsmen who are already signed up for the show. The full exhibitor list can be found on our website & it is growing every day! 1: @vitreus_ignis is an outstanding glass blower who creates the most spectacular glasswork in miniature. Based in Spain 2: @miniaturesartlittle wrought iron beds are so evocative & beautifully detailed. Based in Spain. 3: NEW EXHIBITOR! @kamilla.dlugowolska makes the finest baskets & wicker effect furniture. Based in Italy. 4: @wendysminis has the most amazing selection of genuine miniscule fossils, rocks & natural history specimens. Based in the US. 5: @emilychan1225 creates adorable baby & child dolls full of character & beautifully detailed. Based in Malaysia. LDF Online Showcase September 4th – 10th 2023 Access via our website. #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #onlineevent

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KDF SUMMER SHOW: Round up.

Surprisingly, it is little over 2 weeks since our Summer Show. I have just put a round-up of what there was to see at the show this year on our website (go to the NEWS page). At the bottom there is a link to a vlog posted by lovely Josje, which she put together whilst going round the show; a great record for us to have. The photos here are as follows:

1: The ever wonderful @yosh_sagi
2: The equally wonderful @gale_elena_bantock
3: New exhibitor Karen Wosley
4: The Miniature Needlework society are 25 years old.
5: Happy customers.

@rorodolls – “What an overwhelming pleasure to witness my first miniature & dollshouse fair. (KDF) is such a grand, well organised, international event.”

@kinnunenangela – “I have come back from Kensington Dollshouse Festival & I am so very thankful for everyone who stopped by to say hello. Your support & encouragement means the world. Thank you to Charlotte & her team for an amazing weekend & to all the other mini makers for making me laugh until my sides hurt.”

Our next events are as follows:

LDF ONLINE SHOWCASE – September 4th – 10th
KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW – December 2nd

More information on both these events on our website.

#miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #liveevent

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KDF SUMMER SHOW: Round up. Surprisingly, it is little over 2 weeks since our Summer Show. I have just put a round-up of what there was to see at the show this year on our website (go to the NEWS page). At the bottom there is a link to a vlog posted by lovely Josje, which she put together whilst going round the show; a great record for us to have. The photos here are as follows: 1: The ever wonderful @yosh_sagi 2: The equally wonderful @gale_elena_bantock 3: New exhibitor Karen Wosley 4: The Miniature Needlework society are 25 years old. 5: Happy customers. @rorodolls – “What an overwhelming pleasure to witness my first miniature & dollshouse fair. (KDF) is such a grand, well organised, international event.” @kinnunenangela – “I have come back from Kensington Dollshouse Festival & I am so very thankful for everyone who stopped by to say hello. Your support & encouragement means the world. Thank you to Charlotte & her team for an amazing weekend & to all the other mini makers for making me laugh until my sides hurt.” Our next events are as follows: LDF ONLINE SHOWCASE – September 4th – 10th KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW – December 2nd More information on both these events on our website. #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #liveevent

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LDF DEBUT AWARD:

Over the last 12 months, London Dollshouse Festivals & @dolls_house_grand_designs have teamed up to discover some new talent in the miniatures world. We decided to launch the LDF Debut Award, which we hoped would encourage new makers to attend our events.

From the 2022 Christmas Show & the 2023 Summer Show, Emma & I selected the new exhibitor we felt had the most potential to make a lasting career in miniatures, creating items that need specialist skills & accuracy. This was not an easy decision as there were so many new makers attending these shows; 39 to be exact, all of whom had already been vetted by KDF, to make sure their work was of a standard good enough for our events.

The decision took many things into account, not only what the makers were creating, but also how there were promoting themselves & handling customer enquiries etc.

We are pleased to announce that LIVE A LITTLE MINIATURES was the recipient of the LDF Debut Award this year. Travelling from Canada with a beautiful selection of chandeliers & handbags (something we can never have enough of), we felt that Hoanie’s work & attention to detail was fantastic & prices were also affordable. Hoanie was keen to listen to what customers wanted & is now planning a whole new range of lights to bring to the Summer Festival in 2024.

Runner Up was @miniaturedreamhomes. Ian had put lots of research into what customers want from a dolls house before attending his 1st KDF, where he exhibited his ‘doortraits’ along with other room boxes he has created. We cannot wait to see where his work takes him & what he will have to show us at the Christmas Festival on December 2nd.

If you know of a miniaturist who you think we should know about, please get in touch.

#miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #award #winners

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LDF DEBUT AWARD: Over the last 12 months, London Dollshouse Festivals & @dolls_house_grand_designs have teamed up to discover some new talent in the miniatures world. We decided to launch the LDF Debut Award, which we hoped would encourage new makers to attend our events. From the 2022 Christmas Show & the 2023 Summer Show, Emma & I selected the new exhibitor we felt had the most potential to make a lasting career in miniatures, creating items that need specialist skills & accuracy. This was not an easy decision as there were so many new makers attending these shows; 39 to be exact, all of whom had already been vetted by KDF, to make sure their work was of a standard good enough for our events. The decision took many things into account, not only what the makers were creating, but also how there were promoting themselves & handling customer enquiries etc. We are pleased to announce that LIVE A LITTLE MINIATURES was the recipient of the LDF Debut Award this year. Travelling from Canada with a beautiful selection of chandeliers & handbags (something we can never have enough of), we felt that Hoanie’s work & attention to detail was fantastic & prices were also affordable. Hoanie was keen to listen to what customers wanted & is now planning a whole new range of lights to bring to the Summer Festival in 2024. Runner Up was @miniaturedreamhomes. Ian had put lots of research into what customers want from a dolls house before attending his 1st KDF, where he exhibited his ‘doortraits’ along with other room boxes he has created. We cannot wait to see where his work takes him & what he will have to show us at the Christmas Festival on December 2nd. If you know of a miniaturist who you think we should know about, please get in touch. #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturehouse #award #winners

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UNICEF FOR UKRAINE – Thank you to all who donated.

We are so pleased to announce that we raised a whopping £2000 for Unicef at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Summer Show earlier this month.

We were lucky to have many of our exhibitors supporting our Unicef table at the show, donating items for sale & as prizes in our “Lucky Drawers”. In fact, there is one lucky customer who took home a beautiful signed bust made by @mulvanyandrogers

@thepigstyle kindly donated 2 beautiful vintage box shops that we auctioned off throughout the show. These raised a huge £1300 on their own.

We are grateful to everyone who visited/donated to our charity table & are pleased to be able to forward this incredible sum to help Unicef’s important work in Ukraine.

#unicef #ukraine #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturedolls

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UNICEF FOR UKRAINE – Thank you to all who donated. We are so pleased to announce that we raised a whopping £2000 for Unicef at the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Summer Show earlier this month. We were lucky to have many of our exhibitors supporting our Unicef table at the show, donating items for sale & as prizes in our “Lucky Drawers”. In fact, there is one lucky customer who took home a beautiful signed bust made by @mulvanyandrogers @thepigstyle kindly donated 2 beautiful vintage box shops that we auctioned off throughout the show. These raised a huge £1300 on their own. We are grateful to everyone who visited/donated to our charity table & are pleased to be able to forward this incredible sum to help Unicef’s important work in Ukraine. #unicef #ukraine #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturedolls

2 weeks ago

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS: People’s Choice Award Winner

We think it is so important to have the opinions of our exhibitors & visitors to the show when it comes to the PIMA winners, this is why we introduced the People’s Choice Award a few years ago. All exhibitors & visitors at the show have the chance to vote for their favourite entries.

Unfortunately all the entries are in a glass cabinet, so unlike the Judges of the main competition, the pieces cannot be picked up & studied in detail & this maybe why some do better than others in the different competitions, but a piece loved by everyone who saw it was @tine_krijnen_ & @valeriabonomi entry The Red Dancing Shoes. Yes, these shoes really danced & Tine had a second version of the shoes dancing on her stand for people to see in action.

This was a 2 year labour of love for Tine & Valeria. Not only was the book (made by Tine) & the shoes (made by Valeria) absolutely perfect to the tiniest detail, but Tine had to spend many hours learning about the technical mechanics of making the shoes dance (she programmed it all herself). She also played the tune you hear when the shoes are dancing herself on her piano. Video kindly shared with us by @tanya.miniee

It was such a treat & everyone who saw the shoes dance came away with a smile on their faces. A well deserved win of the People’s Choice Award.

Runners up in the PCA were Steve Putnam’s Noah’s Ark & Masters Miniatures Ingenious Combination Table. You can see photos of both of these in my last post as they were also Highly Commended entries.

All the entries for the PIMA are now on our website on the ‘Competition” Page.

#automata #competition #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturedolls #peopleschoiceaward

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS: People’s Choice Award Winner We think it is so important to have the opinions of our exhibitors & visitors to the show when it comes to the PIMA winners, this is why we introduced the People’s Choice Award a few years ago. All exhibitors & visitors at the show have the chance to vote for their favourite entries. Unfortunately all the entries are in a glass cabinet, so unlike the Judges of the main competition, the pieces cannot be picked up & studied in detail & this maybe why some do better than others in the different competitions, but a piece loved by everyone who saw it was @tine_krijnen_ & @valeriabonomi entry The Red Dancing Shoes. Yes, these shoes really danced & Tine had a second version of the shoes dancing on her stand for people to see in action. This was a 2 year labour of love for Tine & Valeria. Not only was the book (made by Tine) & the shoes (made by Valeria) absolutely perfect to the tiniest detail, but Tine had to spend many hours learning about the technical mechanics of making the shoes dance (she programmed it all herself). She also played the tune you hear when the shoes are dancing herself on her piano. Video kindly shared with us by @tanya.miniee It was such a treat & everyone who saw the shoes dance came away with a smile on their faces. A well deserved win of the People’s Choice Award. Runners up in the PCA were Steve Putnam’s Noah’s Ark & Masters Miniatures Ingenious Combination Table. You can see photos of both of these in my last post as they were also Highly Commended entries. All the entries for the PIMA are now on our website on the ‘Competition” Page. #automata #competition #miniatures #dollshouse #miniaturedolls #peopleschoiceaward

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS 2023 – Highly Commended

The Perfection in Miniature Awards was a really close run competition this year. Although the judges were happy with the winners, there were many entries that were in the running for places.

Interestingly, the winner & runners up in the People’s Choice Award all came from the Highly Commended entries. Which would you have chosen?

Here are the Highly Commended entries in no particular order.

Lara Byng: ‘La Primavera’ by Sandro Bottecelli.
This exceptional painting by @darkwillowart was a near perfection.

Masters Miniatures: An Ingenious Victorian Metamorphic Combination Table.
After many years of entering the competition & not quite making it into the Highly Commended slots, Heidi & Gary really upped their game this year & both of their entries were recognised by the judges.

Steve Putnam: Noah’s Ark & Toy Box.
@steveputnamdesign recreation of this popular traditional toy was beautifully displayed as if it was really being played with.

Catmando Miniatures: Saxony Spinning Wheel.
As usual, @catmandominiatures spinning wheel was beautifully made & had working elements to it, which is always a key part of his miniatures.

Kim’s Miniature Doll Artistry: The Craftsman.
It is always difficult to enter a whole scene in the PIMA, because there is so much you have to get right & it must all be up to scratch. @kimsminis managed to produce a perfect display of a craftsman working on a rocking horse.

Yosh Sagi: Louis XVI chairs with painted fabric.
Miniatures can also be about deception & this year @yosh_sagi decided that instead of stitching the seats of his chairs, he would paint them to look like embroidery. This worked incredibly well as it meant that the thickness of the fabric could be reduced giving the chairs more realistic scale.

Miniature Boekbinden/Graffialuna: The Dancing Red Shoes.
These were something completely new to the show. @tine_krijnen_ & @valeriabonomi , created everything for this entry, from the shoes, to the book, to the music to the complex tech that was needed to make them dance. (we will share a video of these moving tomorrow)

#competition #miniatures #dollshouse

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS 2023 – Highly Commended The Perfection in Miniature Awards was a really close run competition this year. Although the judges were happy with the winners, there were many entries that were in the running for places. Interestingly, the winner & runners up in the People’s Choice Award all came from the Highly Commended entries. Which would you have chosen? Here are the Highly Commended entries in no particular order. Lara Byng: ‘La Primavera’ by Sandro Bottecelli. This exceptional painting by @darkwillowart was a near perfection. Masters Miniatures: An Ingenious Victorian Metamorphic Combination Table. After many years of entering the competition & not quite making it into the Highly Commended slots, Heidi & Gary really upped their game this year & both of their entries were recognised by the judges. Steve Putnam: Noah’s Ark & Toy Box. @steveputnamdesign recreation of this popular traditional toy was beautifully displayed as if it was really being played with. Catmando Miniatures: Saxony Spinning Wheel. As usual, @catmandominiatures spinning wheel was beautifully made & had working elements to it, which is always a key part of his miniatures. Kim’s Miniature Doll Artistry: The Craftsman. It is always difficult to enter a whole scene in the PIMA, because there is so much you have to get right & it must all be up to scratch. @kimsminis managed to produce a perfect display of a craftsman working on a rocking horse. Yosh Sagi: Louis XVI chairs with painted fabric. Miniatures can also be about deception & this year @yosh_sagi decided that instead of stitching the seats of his chairs, he would paint them to look like embroidery. This worked incredibly well as it meant that the thickness of the fabric could be reduced giving the chairs more realistic scale. Miniature Boekbinden/Graffialuna: The Dancing Red Shoes. These were something completely new to the show. @tine_krijnen_ & @valeriabonomi , created everything for this entry, from the shoes, to the book, to the music to the complex tech that was needed to make them dance. (we will share a video of these moving tomorrow) #competition #miniatures #dollshouse

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS 2023 - Winners

The dust has settled on the KDF Summer Show & we can finally confirm the winners of the 2023 Perfection in Miniature Awards. The competition was particularly tight this year, with the judges struggling to score the 36 entries, but in the end & after much debate the winners were decided.

3rd Place:
“Almost ready for the Orchid Show by Petite Fleur. Gill Rawlings has been making miniature flowers out of brass for 30+ years. In the past she has been close to a top 3 in the PIMA, but this year she finally made it. Her work is always well executed, with an incredible attention to detail.

2nd Place:
“Good Housekeeping” by Tobacco & Regrets. Abi is new to the show, her 1st appearance at Kensington was last May, but she has made a huge impact. Her miniatures are more than just a copy of an item, they have real charm & character & always seem to tell a story. She often chooses everyday items or domestic scenes for her creations. The judges were not only impressed with the originality of the items chosen but the detail with which they were made.

1st Place:
“Embroidered Piano Stool” by Nicola Mascall & Masters Miniatures. Nicola is currently the one to beat in the PIMA. She has been successful with her entries in the last few years (1st & 3rd places recently) & it is easy to see why. Her stitching is always unbelievably precise & of course tiny. This year she teamed up with Masters Miniatures who have entered the competition in previous years, but never quite made it to the top 3. The combination of their beautiful wooden hinged piano stool & Nicola’s stitching could not be beaten.

We really appreciate all who enter this competition. The range of work is always surprising & we never know what is going to win. There were a number of entries that were very close this time, so tomorrow I will post all the pieces that were awarded Highly Commended & then on Thursday post the winners of the People’s Choice Award.

#winners #competition #miniatures #embroidery #carpentry

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PERFECTION IN MINIATURE AWARDS 2023 - Winners The dust has settled on the KDF Summer Show & we can finally confirm the winners of the 2023 Perfection in Miniature Awards. The competition was particularly tight this year, with the judges struggling to score the 36 entries, but in the end & after much debate the winners were decided. 3rd Place: “Almost ready for the Orchid Show by Petite Fleur. Gill Rawlings has been making miniature flowers out of brass for 30+ years. In the past she has been close to a top 3 in the PIMA, but this year she finally made it. Her work is always well executed, with an incredible attention to detail. 2nd Place: “Good Housekeeping” by Tobacco & Regrets. Abi is new to the show, her 1st appearance at Kensington was last May, but she has made a huge impact. Her miniatures are more than just a copy of an item, they have real charm & character & always seem to tell a story. She often chooses everyday items or domestic scenes for her creations. The judges were not only impressed with the originality of the items chosen but the detail with which they were made. 1st Place: “Embroidered Piano Stool” by Nicola Mascall & Masters Miniatures. Nicola is currently the one to beat in the PIMA. She has been successful with her entries in the last few years (1st & 3rd places recently) & it is easy to see why. Her stitching is always unbelievably precise & of course tiny. This year she teamed up with Masters Miniatures who have entered the competition in previous years, but never quite made it to the top 3. The combination of their beautiful wooden hinged piano stool & Nicola’s stitching could not be beaten. We really appreciate all who enter this competition. The range of work is always surprising & we never know what is going to win. There were a number of entries that were very close this time, so tomorrow I will post all the pieces that were awarded Highly Commended & then on Thursday post the winners of the People’s Choice Award. #winners #competition #miniatures #embroidery #carpentry

3 weeks ago

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KDF SUMMER SHOW: We noticed this glamorous lady leaving the show yesterday & had to take a picture! Dressed in the Gingerbread Craft Club, but we forgot to ask the name of the fashion designer who created her outfit. We loved it! #pegdolls #craftykids #haveago

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KDF SUMMER SHOW: We noticed this glamorous lady leaving the show yesterday & had to take a picture! Dressed in the Gingerbread Craft Club, but we forgot to ask the name of the fashion designer who created her outfit. We loved it! #pegdolls #craftykids #haveago

4 weeks ago

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Can u see me ? By Victoria Heredia #minibabies #spainmaker #minitures #minitureart Come to see us at the Kensington dollhouse festival summer show may12th-13th

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Can u see me ? By Victoria Heredia #minibabies #spainmaker #minitures #minitureart Come to see us at the Kensington dollhouse festival summer show may12th-13th

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What is your favourite miniatures from the Kensington dollhouse festival summer show 2023 ? Share with us . May 12th - 13th . #summershow2023 #kensingtondollshousefestival #kensingtontownhall #london

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What is your favourite miniatures from the Kensington dollhouse festival summer show 2023 ? Share with us . May 12th - 13th . #summershow2023 #kensingtondollshousefestival #kensingtontownhall #london

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Make it Small by #gillbayesminiatures at Kensington dollhouse festival today #minidresses #dollhouse #dollsoutfit #miniatures

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Make it Small by #gillbayesminiatures at Kensington dollhouse festival today #minidresses #dollhouse #dollsoutfit #miniatures

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Kensington dollhouse festival summer show May 12th -13th 2023 #galeelenabantock #kensingtontownhall #london

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Kensington dollhouse festival summer show May 12th -13th 2023 #galeelenabantock #kensingtontownhall #london

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Wonderful vintage miniatures . alison@thepigstyle.com #vintagedolls #minitures #vintage

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Wonderful vintage miniatures . alison@thepigstyle.com #vintagedolls #minitures #vintage

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Please come to visit us . Kensington dollhouse festival summer show 2023 . May 12th 11-6pm & 13th 10-5pm . Kensington town hall . London. United Kingdom . #london #dollhouse #summershow #shopping #miniature #kensingtontownhall

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Please come to visit us . Kensington dollhouse festival summer show 2023 . May 12th 11-6pm & 13th 10-5pm . Kensington town hall . London. United Kingdom . #london #dollhouse #summershow #shopping #miniature #kensingtontownhall

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