London Dollshouse Showcase

Hotels near Kensington

7 October 2022 /

Most hotels listed have either been seen by us or used and recommended by stall holders. The prices quoted on this list (excluding those listed for the KDF Hotel Deals below) are APPROXIMATE & depend…

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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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KDF SUMMER SHOW: Make it Small Miniatures.

One problem with shrinking down our life to 1:12th of its real size is that some things shrink down better than others.

There is nothing we like more than finding a beautifully made piece of furniture, say a wardrobe with opening doors, only to have the problem of filling it. Most miniature clothes are too stiff to sit right on a coat hanger so you wardrobe will only fit one or two outfits.

Obviously this is not acceptable for most fashion-conscious girls of today, so thank goodness for @gillbayesminiatures who has made it her mission to supply clothes that will actually fit in a 1:12 scale wardrobe or cupboard.

We cannot wait to see her full collection at the KDF Summer Show on May 12th & 13th, alongside other exciting new makers.

KDF Summer Show
May 12th & 13th 2023
Kensington Town Hall

Tickets available to book now via our website.

#miniatures #miniatuefashion #fashion #dollshouse #dolls

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF SUMMER SHOW: Make it Small Miniatures. One problem with shrinking down our life to 1:12th of its real size is that some things shrink down better than others. There is nothing we like more than finding a beautifully made piece of furniture, say a wardrobe with opening doors, only to have the problem of filling it. Most miniature clothes are too stiff to sit right on a coat hanger so you wardrobe will only fit one or two outfits. Obviously this is not acceptable for most fashion-conscious girls of today, so thank goodness for @gillbayesminiatures who has made it her mission to supply clothes that will actually fit in a 1:12 scale wardrobe or cupboard. We cannot wait to see her full collection at the KDF Summer Show on May 12th & 13th, alongside other exciting new makers. KDF Summer Show May 12th & 13th 2023 Kensington Town Hall Tickets available to book now via our website. #miniatures #miniatuefashion #fashion #dollshouse #dolls

3 days ago

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1/14

KDF SUMMER SH0W: New Event Alert!

We know how important it is to get inspiration for your next miniature project, so we like to help fuel your imagination with tours to beautiful & unusual houses.

If you are interested in early 20th Century design, this is a day not to be missed. We will be visiting probably my favourite Art Deco house, Eltham Palace & The Red House, home of William & Jane Morris.

We will organise tours of both these houses so you get the whole story of these 2 incredible buildings & we will organise transport to & from Eltham Palace. (from Eltham Station) With a LDF tour guide to make sure everything runs smoothly, it is going to be a great day.

Spaces are very limited, so please book early.

Inspirational tour of Eary 20th Century Houses
Thursday 11th May 2023
£95 (discount if you are an English Heritage or National Trust Member)
Book via our website.

#elthampalace #theredhouse #williammorris #artdeco #artnouveau #thingstodo

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF SUMMER SH0W: New Event Alert! We know how important it is to get inspiration for your next miniature project, so we like to help fuel your imagination with tours to beautiful & unusual houses. If you are interested in early 20th Century design, this is a day not to be missed. We will be visiting probably my favourite Art Deco house, Eltham Palace & The Red House, home of William & Jane Morris. We will organise tours of both these houses so you get the whole story of these 2 incredible buildings & we will organise transport to & from Eltham Palace. (from Eltham Station) With a LDF tour guide to make sure everything runs smoothly, it is going to be a great day. Spaces are very limited, so please book early. Inspirational tour of Eary 20th Century Houses Thursday 11th May 2023 £95 (discount if you are an English Heritage or National Trust Member) Book via our website. #elthampalace #theredhouse #williammorris #artdeco #artnouveau #thingstodo

2 weeks ago

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2/14

KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Flashback.

@platebutton was a fascinating display of work by Sabrina Lee, who creates haute cuisine using haberdashery items.

Her display at the show was a real hit with visitors having to look very closely to see what her tiny dishes were actually made from.

Read more about her work on our website now.

#cordonbleu #hautecuisine #needlework #miniatures

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Flashback. @platebutton was a fascinating display of work by Sabrina Lee, who creates haute cuisine using haberdashery items. Her display at the show was a real hit with visitors having to look very closely to see what her tiny dishes were actually made from. Read more about her work on our website now. #cordonbleu #hautecuisine #needlework #miniatures

4 weeks ago

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3/14

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KDF SUMMER SHOW 2023: Minimonkeys Work has begun in ernest in LDF HQ on the Kensington Dollshouse Festival Summer Show on May 12th & 13th. Things are shaping up well & we already have an exhibitor list of over 100 confirmed miniaturists & suppliers that are booked to attend. It is a truly international show & if you head over to our website & follow links from the menu bar to the 'Exhibitors' in the 'KDF Summer Show', you will see we have sorted exhibitors into the countries they are travelling from (as far afield as New Zealand & South Africa). One of our new craftsmen attending from Germany is Minimonkeys. We have been gently persuading Sybille to come to London for quite some time, so we are thrilled she will finally be joining us. Sybille sculpts, moulds & dresses all sorts of character animals, with lots you will recognise from your favourite books like Ratty & Mole pictured here from Wind in the Willows. KDF Summer Show 2023 May 12th & 13th Kensington Town Hall Tickets now available. #windinthewillows #animalcharacters #dollshouses #miniatures

4 weeks ago

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4/14

Whiteladies Dolls House.

If you missed the Antique Roadshow's Toy & Childhood Special that was on earlier this week, you missed a treat. One of my favourite dolls houses that is usually on display at the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood (currently closed for renovation) is the Whiteladies House; a stylish Art Deco dolls house that is right up my street.

Find out more about this unusual house by heading to the iplayer now! (about 19 mins into the programme!)

#artdeco #antiquesroadshow #dollshouses

kensingtondollshouse

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Whiteladies Dolls House. If you missed the Antique Roadshow's Toy & Childhood Special that was on earlier this week, you missed a treat. One of my favourite dolls houses that is usually on display at the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood (currently closed for renovation) is the Whiteladies House; a stylish Art Deco dolls house that is right up my street. Find out more about this unusual house by heading to the iplayer now! (about 19 mins into the programme!) #artdeco #antiquesroadshow #dollshouses

1 month ago

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5/14

SPIRITS IN A DOLLS HOUSE

We were lucky to have a small selection of Jennifer Kallin's beautiful collection of Tri-ang dolls houses on display at the Christmas Show earlier this month.

There is something very charming about Tri-ang houses. They are generally not grand mansions, but copies of everyday houses that average people lived in which is probably why they were so popular for so many years.

Dolls houses used to be a representation of how life was lived at that time & this has become a great record of our homes in the past. This trend is now having a comeback in miniature houses & we are seeing more contemporary dolls houses being created. Maybe these will be a record of peoples homes today, as Tri-ang houses were of homes in the early to mid 20th Century.

Jennifer kindly invited us to her home prior to the Christmas Show to see her full collection & you can now read more about them on our website. Photos by @millie_noble

#triangdollshouses #midcenturydesign #dollshouses #miniatures.

kensingtondollshouse

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SPIRITS IN A DOLLS HOUSE We were lucky to have a small selection of Jennifer Kallin's beautiful collection of Tri-ang dolls houses on display at the Christmas Show earlier this month. There is something very charming about Tri-ang houses. They are generally not grand mansions, but copies of everyday houses that average people lived in which is probably why they were so popular for so many years. Dolls houses used to be a representation of how life was lived at that time & this has become a great record of our homes in the past. This trend is now having a comeback in miniature houses & we are seeing more contemporary dolls houses being created. Maybe these will be a record of peoples homes today, as Tri-ang houses were of homes in the early to mid 20th Century. Jennifer kindly invited us to her home prior to the Christmas Show to see her full collection & you can now read more about them on our website. Photos by @millie_noble #triangdollshouses #midcenturydesign #dollshouses #miniatures.

1 month ago

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6/14

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you all have lots of tiny parcels under your tree because, as we all know, the best things come in small packages.
Please share your best tiny presents this year with us.

We will be back in the office from January 3rd.

#dollshouses #christmas #miniaturehouses #miniatures

kensingtondollshouse

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Merry Christmas to all. I hope you all have lots of tiny parcels under your tree because, as we all know, the best things come in small packages. Please share your best tiny presents this year with us. We will be back in the office from January 3rd. #dollshouses #christmas #miniaturehouses #miniatures

1 month ago

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7/14

KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Review

We are so lucky to have some of the greatest miniaturists from the UK & around the world attend our shows. Here are some highlights of miniatures on display at the KDF Christmas Show earlier this month. These were standout items selected by our photographer @millie_noble.

1: The mind-blowing work by miniature furniture maker @yosh_sagi

2: KDF Regular since 1992 @jens_torp_design still at the top of his game.

3: Beautiful piece by Tarbena Miniatures.

4: Franzys Doll & Teddy Paradise always bring some exceptional work to the show.

5: So pleased to have @bethfreemankane back at the show. All the way from South Africa.

6: So excited to have some talented new artists at the festival including Lara Byng of @darkwillowart .

7: Arlette's Miniatures are producing some beautiful Art Nouveau designs.

8: Nalladris bring the 'Sun' back to KDF with their gorgeous jewellery.

9: @aurearte_miniatures from Spain with her hand painted furniture.

10: @valeriabonomi of Graffialuna brings Italian style to London.

Our next show is May 12 & 13 2023. Tickets available via our website.

#dollshouses #miniatures #miniaturehouses #bestofshow

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS SHOW: Review We are so lucky to have some of the greatest miniaturists from the UK & around the world attend our shows. Here are some highlights of miniatures on display at the KDF Christmas Show earlier this month. These were standout items selected by our photographer @millie_noble. 1: The mind-blowing work by miniature furniture maker @yosh_sagi 2: KDF Regular since 1992 @jens_torp_design still at the top of his game. 3: Beautiful piece by Tarbena Miniatures. 4: Franzys Doll & Teddy Paradise always bring some exceptional work to the show. 5: So pleased to have @bethfreemankane back at the show. All the way from South Africa. 6: So excited to have some talented new artists at the festival including Lara Byng of @darkwillowart . 7: Arlette's Miniatures are producing some beautiful Art Nouveau designs. 8: Nalladris bring the 'Sun' back to KDF with their gorgeous jewellery. 9: @aurearte_miniatures from Spain with her hand painted furniture. 10: @valeriabonomi of Graffialuna brings Italian style to London. Our next show is May 12 & 13 2023. Tickets available via our website. #dollshouses #miniatures #miniaturehouses #bestofshow

1 month ago

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8/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Flashback

Two weeks have passed since the whirlwind of the KDF Christmas Show at Kensington Town Hall. We have just about recovered & are happy to be able to share some photos with you from the event. All photos were taken by the wonderful @millie_noble.

The best thing about being back at Kensington is catching up with old & new friends. Here are a few faces you may recognise. More images of the Festival to follow in the next few days.

1: The always welcoming Geoff Wonnacott.
2: @sarah.hendry_ of Pocket People.
3: Long time attendee, Lucy Askew.
4: Relative newcomer, but now a must-see, Anthony Dunham, with KDF Regular @nicolamascall looking on.
5: Talented new artist Lara Byng @darkwillowart

#dollshouses #miniaturehouses #faces

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: Flashback Two weeks have passed since the whirlwind of the KDF Christmas Show at Kensington Town Hall. We have just about recovered & are happy to be able to share some photos with you from the event. All photos were taken by the wonderful @millie_noble. The best thing about being back at Kensington is catching up with old & new friends. Here are a few faces you may recognise. More images of the Festival to follow in the next few days. 1: The always welcoming Geoff Wonnacott. 2: @sarah.hendry_ of Pocket People. 3: Long time attendee, Lucy Askew. 4: Relative newcomer, but now a must-see, Anthony Dunham, with KDF Regular @nicolamascall looking on. 5: Talented new artist Lara Byng @darkwillowart #dollshouses #miniaturehouses #faces

2 months ago

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9/14

HOMES & ANTIQUES ARTICLE.

Huge thanks to Rhianna Batton @homes_antiques for the great article on the future of dolls houses or miniature houses as they are now called.

The article features many of our friends & supporters giving their thoughts on how miniatures are moving into the future with the help of social media.

Get your copy now!

#dollshouses #miniaturehouses #antiques #futureantiques

kensingtondollshouse

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HOMES & ANTIQUES ARTICLE. Huge thanks to Rhianna Batton @homes_antiques for the great article on the future of dolls houses or miniature houses as they are now called. The article features many of our friends & supporters giving their thoughts on how miniatures are moving into the future with the help of social media. Get your copy now! #dollshouses #miniaturehouses #antiques #futureantiques

2 months ago

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10/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Tribute to Laurence St Leger.

Following the sad news of Laurence's death last week, we are still in shock that he will not be at the show with us on Saturday as he has been for the last 25 or so years.

Caroline Hamilton kindly suggested that she could bring her incredible collection of over 100 of St Leger Mechanical toys to the show again as a Tribute to Laurence & his quirky sense of humour, so if you missed them in May, this is another chance to see this fantastic collection.

The mechanical toys were made by Laurence & Angela, in perfect harmony, just like the mechanics in their tiny automata.

There will be a book of condolences for you to write your memories of Laurence that we will pass onto Angela & family after the show.

#mechanicaltoys #automata #unique #goat

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: Tribute to Laurence St Leger. Following the sad news of Laurence's death last week, we are still in shock that he will not be at the show with us on Saturday as he has been for the last 25 or so years. Caroline Hamilton kindly suggested that she could bring her incredible collection of over 100 of St Leger Mechanical toys to the show again as a Tribute to Laurence & his quirky sense of humour, so if you missed them in May, this is another chance to see this fantastic collection. The mechanical toys were made by Laurence & Angela, in perfect harmony, just like the mechanics in their tiny automata. There will be a book of condolences for you to write your memories of Laurence that we will pass onto Angela & family after the show. #mechanicaltoys #automata #unique #goat

2 months ago

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11/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Nalladris return.

We all need a little sparkle for the Christmas party season, so we are pleased to say that Nalladris are returning to the KDF Christmas Show on December 3rd; the go to suppliers of fine jewellery for the 1:12 scale doll community.

Sun manages to create the most beautiful tiaras, necklaces, earrings etc that are tiny replicas of some of the most valuable jewellery worn by Royalty & celebrities.

They also have a great range of dolls house lighting too.

KDF Christmas Show
December 3rd
11.00 - 18.00
Kensington Town Hall

#jewellery #bling #dollshouses #miniatures

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: Nalladris return. We all need a little sparkle for the Christmas party season, so we are pleased to say that Nalladris are returning to the KDF Christmas Show on December 3rd; the go to suppliers of fine jewellery for the 1:12 scale doll community. Sun manages to create the most beautiful tiaras, necklaces, earrings etc that are tiny replicas of some of the most valuable jewellery worn by Royalty & celebrities. They also have a great range of dolls house lighting too. KDF Christmas Show December 3rd 11.00 - 18.00 Kensington Town Hall #jewellery #bling #dollshouses #miniatures

2 months ago

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12/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Show Catalogue. We have just recieved delivery of our catalogue for the Christmas Show on Saturday. We could not decide on our favourite photo for the cover so have printed both. What is your favourite? All ticket holders get a copy of our Catalogue at the show on Saturday. Hope to see you there. #cats #dollshouses #miniatures

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KDF CHRISTMAS: Show Catalogue. We have just recieved delivery of our catalogue for the Christmas Show on Saturday. We could not decide on our favourite photo for the cover so have printed both. What is your favourite? All ticket holders get a copy of our Catalogue at the show on Saturday. Hope to see you there. #cats #dollshouses #miniatures

2 months ago

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13/14

KDF CHRISTMAS: Gingerbread Craft Club

We are expecting a busy show on Saturday with hundreds of young miniaturists decending on Kensington Town Hall to shop & admire the work of our exhibitors.

We always like to have lots for our young visitors to do when at the show so we will have our popular Golden Treasure Hunt taking place throughout the show & our Gingerbread Craft Club will be open for business too with a very special guest!

David Ward is usually an exhibitor at the show but is having a year off, so instead, he will be popping into the GCC after 2pm on Saturday to give a masterclass to young miniaturists on sculpting with polymer clay.

Children will be able to make a plate of food for their dolls house & we will even cook it in our oven so it is ready for you to take home.

David is an incredibly talented sculptor & this is a rare & exciting opportunity to learn from a master!

The Craft Club will be very busy, so we will only be able to fit in a limited number, but we will do our best to have enough time for all who want to take part.

We imagine David will be teaching his skills from about 3-4pm in the GCC, & we advise that this will be suitable for older children aged 8+. Younger children will be welcomed in the Club House from 2-3 + 4-5pm.

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

KDF Christmas Show
December 3rd 2022
11.00 - 18.00
Kensington Town Hall.

Children & Family tickets still available. (Family tickets can enter after 2pm)

#dollshouses #childrensactivities #miniatures #london #christmas

kensingtondollshouse

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KDF CHRISTMAS: Gingerbread Craft Club We are expecting a busy show on Saturday with hundreds of young miniaturists decending on Kensington Town Hall to shop & admire the work of our exhibitors. We always like to have lots for our young visitors to do when at the show so we will have our popular Golden Treasure Hunt taking place throughout the show & our Gingerbread Craft Club will be open for business too with a very special guest! David Ward is usually an exhibitor at the show but is having a year off, so instead, he will be popping into the GCC after 2pm on Saturday to give a masterclass to young miniaturists on sculpting with polymer clay. Children will be able to make a plate of food for their dolls house & we will even cook it in our oven so it is ready for you to take home. David is an incredibly talented sculptor & this is a rare & exciting opportunity to learn from a master! The Craft Club will be very busy, so we will only be able to fit in a limited number, but we will do our best to have enough time for all who want to take part. We imagine David will be teaching his skills from about 3-4pm in the GCC, & we advise that this will be suitable for older children aged 8+. Younger children will be welcomed in the Club House from 2-3 + 4-5pm. We look forward to seeing everyone there. KDF Christmas Show December 3rd 2022 11.00 - 18.00 Kensington Town Hall. Children & Family tickets still available. (Family tickets can enter after 2pm) #dollshouses #childrensactivities #miniatures #london #christmas

2 months ago

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14/14