London Dollshouse Showcase

KDF Christmas Returns.

24 September 2021 /

After the success of the KDF London Showcase, we are returning to Kensington Town Hall on December 4th 2021 for our Christmas Extravaganza. There were times in the last 18 months when we did not…

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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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KRISTIN BAYBARS

It is with great sadness I found out the news that Kristin Baybars died last weekend. Anyone who has been involved in dolls houses & miniatures over the last 40 years will be aware of Kristin & her magical shop in North London. Kristin was one of the forerunners in the new wave of dolls house collecting in the 1970’s-80’s, opening her traditional toy shop that specialised in hand made miniatures.

She was a great supporter of all the incredible craftsmen, whose work we still admire today. She bought the 1st dolls houses made by Mulvany & Rogers for example & would buy work from Stokesay Ware & Country Treasures when they were first starting out. All the money she made in her shop went straight back into buying new incredible things for her Aladin’s Cave. She would encourage new makers (like David Ward) by buying their work & championing them.

Her shop, located in Gospel Oak, North London, looked like a traditional toy shop when you enter in through the portal, but if you were lucky enough to be invited through to the back of the shop by Kristin (only true miniatures lovers were allowed!) you discovered an incredible tiny world of beautiful dolls houses, & scenes by some of the best makers around.

Kristin never missed out shows until recently when her health prevented her from attending. She would arrive first thing in the morning & be there all day chatting with our exhibitors and buying their work for the shop. She always had a sparkle in her eyes as she looked around at the stands & wandered around the show.

I was lucky enough to spend time with Kristin about 5 years ago when I made a documentary about her life & work with my friend Fred Burns. We learnt all about her incredible life & spent time with her in the shop & her home. I will put the documentary film called “A Pathway of Crumbs” on our website in the next few days. It is an intriguing look into her world & shows how much she loved her collection & her shop.

Kristin Baybars Shop is currently not open, but we will keep you up to date with any news we have.

#kristinbaybars #traditionaltoys #toyshop

kensingtondollshouse

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KRISTIN BAYBARS

It is with great sadness I found out the news that Kristin Baybars died last weekend. Anyone who has been involved in dolls houses & miniatures over the last 40 years will be aware of Kristin & her magical shop in North London. Kristin was one of the forerunners in the new wave of dolls house collecting in the 1970’s-80’s, opening her traditional toy shop that specialised in hand made miniatures.

She was a great supporter of all the incredible craftsmen, whose work we still admire today. She bought the 1st dolls houses made by Mulvany & Rogers for example & would buy work from Stokesay Ware & Country Treasures when they were first starting out. All the money she made in her shop went straight back into buying new incredible things for her Aladin’s Cave. She would encourage new makers (like David Ward) by buying their work & championing them.

Her shop, located in Gospel Oak, North London, looked like a traditional toy shop when you enter in through the portal, but if you were lucky enough to be invited through to the back of the shop by Kristin (only true miniatures lovers were allowed!) you discovered an incredible tiny world of beautiful dolls houses, & scenes by some of the best makers around.

Kristin never missed out shows until recently when her health prevented her from attending. She would arrive first thing in the morning & be there all day chatting with our exhibitors and buying their work for the shop. She always had a sparkle in her eyes as she looked around at the stands & wandered around the show.

I was lucky enough to spend time with Kristin about 5 years ago when I made a documentary about her life & work with my friend Fred Burns. We learnt all about her incredible life & spent time with her in the shop & her home. I will put the documentary film called “A Pathway of Crumbs” on our website in the next few days. It is an intriguing look into her world & shows how much she loved her collection & her shop.

Kristin Baybars Shop is currently not open, but we will keep you up to date with any news we have.

#kristinbaybars #traditionaltoys #toyshop

1 day ago

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1/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: I week to go.

This time next week, Team KDF will be at Kensington Town Hall getting setting up the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Christmas Show. The line up of craftsmen is looking fabulous, with many returning to the show for the 1st time since Covid. Tine Krijnen of Miniature Boekbinden, is Travelling from The Netherlands with her beautiful hand bound books covering all eras.

Tine is a real master bookbinder & gives great workshops to pass on her skills. She also sell kits for you to make a miniature book of your own.

We are really honoured that so many incredible craftsmen are attending the show next weekend for this unique opportunity to see their work for real, all in one place.

KDF Christmas
December 4th
11.30 - 18.30
Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX

Book your tickets now. (link in bio)

#bookbinding #miniaturebooks #christmas #dollshouses #miniatures

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: I week to go.

This time next week, Team KDF will be at Kensington Town Hall getting setting up the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Christmas Show. The line up of craftsmen is looking fabulous, with many returning to the show for the 1st time since Covid. Tine Krijnen of Miniature Boekbinden, is Travelling from The Netherlands with her beautiful hand bound books covering all eras.

Tine is a real master bookbinder & gives great workshops to pass on her skills. She also sell kits for you to make a miniature book of your own.

We are really honoured that so many incredible craftsmen are attending the show next weekend for this unique opportunity to see their work for real, all in one place.

KDF Christmas
December 4th
11.30 – 18.30
Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX

Book your tickets now. (link in bio)

#bookbinding #miniaturebooks #christmas #dollshouses #miniatures

4 days ago

View on Instagram |

2/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Dressing up for Christmas.
The KDF Christmas Show is the best place to find everything you need to get your dolls house, model or mantelpiece ready for Christmas. There will be tonnes of Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, Christmas food, Christmas cards etc etc to choose from, like these by
@littlehouseatthepriory , who also. Make full sized snow globes & Christmas tree decorations full of miniatures! #christmas #christmastrees #christmasdecorations #snowglobes

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Dressing up for Christmas.
The KDF Christmas Show is the best place to find everything you need to get your dolls house, model or mantelpiece ready for Christmas. There will be tonnes of Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, Christmas food, Christmas cards etc etc to choose from, like these by
@littlehouseatthepriory , who also. Make full sized snow globes & Christmas tree decorations full of miniatures! #christmas #christmastrees #christmasdecorations #snowglobes

6 days ago

View on Instagram |

3/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Get ready for a great show!

Final preparations are now underway for our Christmas Show on December 4th. Everything is beginning to take shape & London has turned on all their Christmas Lights for us too. We will be welcoming visitors & exhibitors from all over the world like Annelies de Kort from The Netherlands who will be exhibiting her unbelieveably tiny knitted clothes with us once again.

We kinda wish she could knit her jumpers for our size too. Along with knitted sweaters & dresses, she also makes knitted outfits for dogs, cats & other tiny creatures.

Kensington Dollshouse Festival
Christmas Show
December 4th
11.30 - 18.30
Kensington Town Hall
Book your tickets via our website. (link in Bio)

#knitting #handknitting #christmasjumpers #londonatchristmas

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Get ready for a great show!

Final preparations are now underway for our Christmas Show on December 4th. Everything is beginning to take shape & London has turned on all their Christmas Lights for us too. We will be welcoming visitors & exhibitors from all over the world like Annelies de Kort from The Netherlands who will be exhibiting her unbelieveably tiny knitted clothes with us once again.

We kinda wish she could knit her jumpers for our size too. Along with knitted sweaters & dresses, she also makes knitted outfits for dogs, cats & other tiny creatures.

Kensington Dollshouse Festival
Christmas Show
December 4th
11.30 – 18.30
Kensington Town Hall
Book your tickets via our website. (link in Bio)

#knitting #handknitting #christmasjumpers #londonatchristmas

7 days ago

View on Instagram |

4/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: The KDF Golden Treasure Hunt.

We always try to have something exciting for our young visitors to do at the show. One of the most popular activities over the years has been our Treasure Hunt that takes place throughout the show.

10 Golden coins are hidden amongst the stands & we hope that you will help find them, using your treasure map. All you need to do is mark your map with where you have seen the Golden coins & bring your map to the reception desk to claim your reward.

To get you in the spirit, any child who arrives at Kensington Town Hall dressed as a Pirate will gain free entry to the show!

KDF Christmas
Dec 4th - 11.30 - 18.30
Kensington Town Hall
Book Tickets via our website (link in Bio)

#pirates #treasurehunt #dollshouses #london #fancydress

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: The KDF Golden Treasure Hunt.

We always try to have something exciting for our young visitors to do at the show. One of the most popular activities over the years has been our Treasure Hunt that takes place throughout the show.

10 Golden coins are hidden amongst the stands & we hope that you will help find them, using your treasure map. All you need to do is mark your map with where you have seen the Golden coins & bring your map to the reception desk to claim your reward.

To get you in the spirit, any child who arrives at Kensington Town Hall dressed as a Pirate will gain free entry to the show!

KDF Christmas
Dec 4th – 11.30 – 18.30
Kensington Town Hall
Book Tickets via our website (link in Bio)

#pirates #treasurehunt #dollshouses #london #fancydress

1 week ago

View on Instagram |

5/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: 2 weeks to go.

I love this photo, capturing one of our happy customers outside our Christmas Show a few years ago. We are looking forward to be back at Kensington Town Hall on December 4th.

We have some fabulous exhibitors at the show this time & as usual, it is the perfect time to stock up on festive decorations etc for your dolls house or model or even to decorate your real Christmas Cake or mantelpiece.

Information on the show is available on our website (link in bio)

#kdflondon #christmas #christmasfair #miniatures

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: 2 weeks to go.

I love this photo, capturing one of our happy customers outside our Christmas Show a few years ago. We are looking forward to be back at Kensington Town Hall on December 4th.

We have some fabulous exhibitors at the show this time & as usual, it is the perfect time to stock up on festive decorations etc for your dolls house or model or even to decorate your real Christmas Cake or mantelpiece.

Information on the show is available on our website (link in bio)

#kdflondon #christmas #christmasfair #miniatures

2 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

6/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Light it up!

We know the Christmas KDF is on its way when fairy lights begin appearing in every shop window in London ready for the Festive season. London is at its very best at Christmas.. there is no place like it & the best way to begin the build up to the big day is visiting our show which is full of Christmas decorations for you to spruce up your dolls houses or miniature scene.

We are also celebrating the return of Ray Storey, who is returning to Kensington after the enforced Covid break. Ray is our resident ’sparky’ & will be able to help with all your questions about dolls house lighting including Christmas lights.

Ray has won the KDF Cup twice (the only exhibitor to do this) probably because of the time he spends with his customers, helping with all sorts of electrical problems & advising on the best way to light up your dolls house. We all know that the key to all good interior design is lighting after all!

KDF Christmas
December 4th
11.30 - 18.30
Kensington Town Hall

Book your tickets now. (link in Bio)

#christmaslights #festiveseason #londonatchristmas #christmasdecorations

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Light it up!

We know the Christmas KDF is on its way when fairy lights begin appearing in every shop window in London ready for the Festive season. London is at its very best at Christmas.. there is no place like it & the best way to begin the build up to the big day is visiting our show which is full of Christmas decorations for you to spruce up your dolls houses or miniature scene.

We are also celebrating the return of Ray Storey, who is returning to Kensington after the enforced Covid break. Ray is our resident ’sparky’ & will be able to help with all your questions about dolls house lighting including Christmas lights.

Ray has won the KDF Cup twice (the only exhibitor to do this) probably because of the time he spends with his customers, helping with all sorts of electrical problems & advising on the best way to light up your dolls house. We all know that the key to all good interior design is lighting after all!

KDF Christmas
December 4th
11.30 – 18.30
Kensington Town Hall

Book your tickets now. (link in Bio)

#christmaslights #festiveseason #londonatchristmas #christmasdecorations

2 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

7/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Look whose back!

We are so happy to have some of our regular craftsmen back at Kensington. It has been so long since we have seen them & admired their work.

1: Carol Cook. Her food is just fantastic! @carolcook_miniaturist ’s work is so perfectly detailed & neat as a pin. Don’t forget dolls & Tudor shoes etc too!

2: Ray Storey Lighting. Our very own KDF sparks. Ray has won the KDF Cup twice (the only stand to have done this) & this must be due to the time he spends with customers helping with lighting issues.

3: Teeny Weeny Teddies. @teenyteddies returns to Kensington with his raggedy teddies & toys, who look like they have seen so much love already. All made with vintage materials.

4: Mulvany & Rogers. There is nothing I can say about @mulvanyandrogers work that you don’t already know. We hope they will have their latest commission to share with us.

Details of all are exhibitors are on our website. (link in bio - click on THE LIST & use the EXHIBITING IN… field to select KDF Christmas to see who will be there

#kdflondon #teddies #toyfair #christmas

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Look whose back!

We are so happy to have some of our regular craftsmen back at Kensington. It has been so long since we have seen them & admired their work.

1: Carol Cook. Her food is just fantastic! @carolcook_miniaturist ’s work is so perfectly detailed & neat as a pin. Don’t forget dolls & Tudor shoes etc too!

2: Ray Storey Lighting. Our very own KDF sparks. Ray has won the KDF Cup twice (the only stand to have done this) & this must be due to the time he spends with customers helping with lighting issues.

3: Teeny Weeny Teddies. @teenyteddies returns to Kensington with his raggedy teddies & toys, who look like they have seen so much love already. All made with vintage materials.

4: Mulvany & Rogers. There is nothing I can say about @mulvanyandrogers work that you don’t already know. We hope they will have their latest commission to share with us.

Details of all are exhibitors are on our website. (link in bio – click on THE LIST & use the EXHIBITING IN… field to select KDF Christmas to see who will be there

#kdflondon #teddies #toyfair #christmas

2 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

8/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Last chance to see DCT Miniature Fashions

Edna & Kathy have been attending our shows at Kensington since 2004, but they have actually been creating their gorgeous dolls for 30 years. Sadly, Edna called to say that KDF Christmas on December 4th, would be their last show, as they were now planning to retire.

Edna, got into making her miniature fashion after working for a real size couture house in London, so her designs are always accurate & correct. Known mainly for their historical costumes, they also make more up to date designs & dress male dolls too which is always a challenge. They also sell kits & undressed dolls for you to dress yourself.

Make sure you stop by their stand at the show on December 4th @kcvenues to say goodbye & view their dolls for the last time.

Tickets are now available (link in bio)

#dolls #kdflondon #christmas #costume #couture

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Last chance to see DCT Miniature Fashions

Edna & Kathy have been attending our shows at Kensington since 2004, but they have actually been creating their gorgeous dolls for 30 years. Sadly, Edna called to say that KDF Christmas on December 4th, would be their last show, as they were now planning to retire.

Edna, got into making her miniature fashion after working for a real size couture house in London, so her designs are always accurate & correct. Known mainly for their historical costumes, they also make more up to date designs & dress male dolls too which is always a challenge. They also sell kits & undressed dolls for you to dress yourself.

Make sure you stop by their stand at the show on December 4th @kcvenues to say goodbye & view their dolls for the last time.

Tickets are now available (link in bio)

#dolls #kdflondon #christmas #costume #couture

3 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

9/14

AUCTION ALERT: Doll, Teddy & Dolls House Auction 22-24 November.

@specialauctionservices are holding an incredible action of dolls houses, miniatures, dolls & teddies later this month. This is a unique opportunity to acquire some really special pieces for you collection. Photos are a taste of some of the lots that will be available. (The internal photo is not of the same dolls house pictured before it!)

The auction is available to view & bid online. Just visit SAS’s website for more details.

#auction #antiquetoys #collections #dollshouses #antiquedolls

kensingtondollshouse

•

AUCTION ALERT: Doll, Teddy & Dolls House Auction 22-24 November.

@specialauctionservices are holding an incredible action of dolls houses, miniatures, dolls & teddies later this month. This is a unique opportunity to acquire some really special pieces for you collection. Photos are a taste of some of the lots that will be available. (The internal photo is not of the same dolls house pictured before it!)

The auction is available to view & bid online. Just visit SAS’s website for more details.

#auction #antiquetoys #collections #dollshouses #antiquedolls

3 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

10/14

KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Miniaturists exhibiting from overseas.

We are excited to welcome back many craftsmen from outside the UK to our show in December. It is a huge amount of organisation for these makers to travel to the UK at the moment, so we really appreciate this rare opportunity we have to see their incredible work for ourselves.

1: Madame Reve. Nathalie Mori creates the most stylish dolls & gorgeous costumes. Based in France.
2: Tiny Treasures around the World. All the way from South Africa! Beautiful porcelain pieces, made & painted by hand.
3: Microdolls. Daniela has really shown her talent at Kensington over the years & has featured highly in many PIMA competitions with her incredibly detailed embroidery & charming dolls.
4: Francine Coyon. An expert in all things wicker. Francine is based in France & returns to Kensington with wicker baskets galore.
5: Annelies de Kort. Beautiful miniature knitted clothing & other items. Based in The Netherlands.

KDF Christmas Show
December 4th
Kensington Town Hall
Book tickets via our website (link in bio)

#dollshouseshowcase #kdflondon #miniatures #dolls #craft

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Miniaturists exhibiting from overseas.

We are excited to welcome back many craftsmen from outside the UK to our show in December. It is a huge amount of organisation for these makers to travel to the UK at the moment, so we really appreciate this rare opportunity we have to see their incredible work for ourselves.

1: Madame Reve. Nathalie Mori creates the most stylish dolls & gorgeous costumes. Based in France.
2: Tiny Treasures around the World. All the way from South Africa! Beautiful porcelain pieces, made & painted by hand.
3: Microdolls. Daniela has really shown her talent at Kensington over the years & has featured highly in many PIMA competitions with her incredibly detailed embroidery & charming dolls.
4: Francine Coyon. An expert in all things wicker. Francine is based in France & returns to Kensington with wicker baskets galore.
5: Annelies de Kort. Beautiful miniature knitted clothing & other items. Based in The Netherlands.

KDF Christmas Show
December 4th
Kensington Town Hall
Book tickets via our website (link in bio)

#dollshouseshowcase #kdflondon #miniatures #dolls #craft

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

11/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Veronique Lux is back!

We are preparing for the Christmas Show which is little over a month away & excited to see many of our regular overseas exhibitors returning for the show. This includes the wonderful @luxveronique, with her whimsical animal characters & beautifully painted objects & paintings.

Book your tickets for the KDF Christmas Show now via our website (link in bio)

KDF Christmas
Kensington Town Hall
Saturday December 4th
11.30 - 18.30

#dollshouseshowcase #kdflondon #animalcharacters #storytime #toys

kensingtondollshouse

•

KDF CHRISTMAS: Veronique Lux is back!

We are preparing for the Christmas Show which is little over a month away & excited to see many of our regular overseas exhibitors returning for the show. This includes the wonderful @luxveronique, with her whimsical animal characters & beautifully painted objects & paintings.

Book your tickets for the KDF Christmas Show now via our website (link in bio)

KDF Christmas
Kensington Town Hall
Saturday December 4th
11.30 – 18.30

#dollshouseshowcase #kdflondon #animalcharacters #storytime #toys

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

12/14

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: New Exhibitor.

Arch House Miniatures will be joining the list of craftsmen attending the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Christmas Show on December 4th at Kensington Town Hall.

Gabrielle has spent 30 years as a decorative picture framer, but during lockdown, she was drawn more & more to making miniatures in her log cabin studio at the bottom of her garden.

This will be her first miniatures show & we are excited to see more of her work. As well as furniture, she will of course be selling tiny framed pictures & mirrors.

#kdflondon #dollshouseshowcase #kdfchristmas #handmademiniatures #pictureframes

1 month ago

View on Instagram |

13/14

3 INSTAGRAM PAGES YOU MUST FOLLOW:

1: We are so pleased that @stokesayware have joined instagram, so we can now all enjoy their beautiful work online. Karen & Peter will be back at the KDF Christmas Show on December 4th if you want to see their work first hand.

2: Another exhibitor who will be at our Christmas Show is Graffialuna. Unfortunately, her instagram page was taken down last week, so please support her & start following her new account @valeriabonimi.

3: Another account that has been disabled is Patrizia Santi. This was one of our favourite pages, so please also start following her new page @patriziasantiminiature. We hope she will be back at Kensington next year with her gorgeous fashion!

The KDF Christmas Show will be taking place on December 4th at Kensington Town Hall. Tickets are available now from our website (link in bio)

#kdflondon #vintagechina #designerhandbags #liveevents

kensingtondollshouse

•

3 INSTAGRAM PAGES YOU MUST FOLLOW:

1: We are so pleased that @stokesayware have joined instagram, so we can now all enjoy their beautiful work online. Karen & Peter will be back at the KDF Christmas Show on December 4th if you want to see their work first hand.

2: Another exhibitor who will be at our Christmas Show is Graffialuna. Unfortunately, her instagram page was taken down last week, so please support her & start following her new account @valeriabonimi.

3: Another account that has been disabled is Patrizia Santi. This was one of our favourite pages, so please also start following her new page @patriziasantiminiature. We hope she will be back at Kensington next year with her gorgeous fashion!

The KDF Christmas Show will be taking place on December 4th at Kensington Town Hall. Tickets are available now from our website (link in bio)

#kdflondon #vintagechina #designerhandbags #liveevents

1 month ago

View on Instagram |

14/14