DollhouseBrazil

History and present

Egyptians used to make small dolls to represent their occupations and the past of their civilization. The Greeks also made objects from glass and other materials that were considered by modern times historians as toys. But most part of the time they were actually 'toys' for grown-ups, not for kids... Chinese, Indians, and even Japonese have also mirrored themselves and several aspects of their societeies in miniatures.

A fantastic monument of miniaturization, which depicts in detail every aspect of daily life of British royalty and labor class in the beginning of 20th century is the famous Queen Mary's Dolls Hous. Several artists and artisans colaborated to make it come true. EVERYTHING in it reflects reality accurately, in scale: the taps would run water, the elevator actually works when one pushes the buttons, the books can be read... and so on! Funny though, the only dolls in this DOLLS house are the King and the Queen, as other dolls all around could fall down and eventually break so precious and unique objects...

Nowadays, miniature enthusiasts can have a blast going to shows all around the globe all year round, or even shopping online. More on miniature shows on Minis Calendar.

Miniatures industry is no kids toy at all. Though it also goes through ups and downs, dancing to the economy tunes, by 1988 it already delt with over US$ 55 million dollars a year!!!

While in Brazil this hobby is limited and better accepted when scenes have a more 'obvious' 'utility' like key hangers or party souvenirs, in English speaking countries and in Europe it's a whole other story. There are class organizations, groups, workshops, awards, titles, shows, etc. Not to mention stores of all sizes, both brick-and-mortar and online. We're still making baby steps in Brazil when it comes to commerce of miniatures. (learn more about stores in Brazil in Mini Links).

One feature stands out when it comes to miniatures in Brazil. Due to lack of tradition, the most 'popular' miniatures here are modern or contemporany ones. Unlike the rest of the world where the vast majority exceed in reproducing historical periods and eras, here what moves miniaturists and collectors is to reproduce our daily life, scenes, etc. Some like to reproduce scenes an places from their childhood, but 'historical' miniatures are the exception, not the rule. We all begin by 'copying' a foreign - therefore 'ancient'- scene, but as soon as we try our own, we tend to 'step back' into present time...

It's impossible not to modernize the miniature industry, though. At Dolls House Emporium website you can make a 'virtual' tour inside a Victorian dollhuse. Totally worth itl!!

Just in case you, as most Brazilians, get lost with all those 'eras' used in dollhousese and what years they correspond to, just check the table beside:

Queen Mary's Doll house, probably
the most famous dollhouse in the world!...
At display in the Windsor Castle.

The impressive Thorne rooms built by different artisans under comission by Mrs. Thorne between 1932 and 1940: their detail and realistic perfection is amazing.

Main miniature organizations in the world:

In the EUA, Europe, South Africa, Australia and Japan, miniaturism is an old and 'contagious' passion.

Miniature Museums:

American Museum of Miniature Arts, Texas, USA

Auning Miniseum, Dinamark - Museum & Store

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys - past & present - exhibit miniatures, dolls and dollhouses from 19th century until present.

De Kleine Wereld, Belgium.

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis, Missouri, EUA

Miniature World, Victoria - BC, Canada

Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Tucson, Arizona, EUA

Musée de la Poupée, Paris, França

Museum Of Miniature Houses, Indiana, EUA - Miniatures & Dollhouses Museum + store. In Carmel, Indiana - USA

Museo Marco Antonio, Guadalest, Alicante, Spain

Pathuis Koophandel, Holanda

Pendom Museum, Inglaterra

Pequeña Costa Mágica, Polop, Alicante, Espanha

Puppenhausmuseum, Basel, Suíça