The International Dolls House Museum is next to the Caspian Hotel (of Hotel Inspector fame) in Ealing and is run by the same family...
...Which had an interesting niche behind it...
The museum is called 'international' because dolls of all nationalities feature. My favourite piece in the whole museum was the Spanish doll. I adore her beautiful, multicoloured dress.
Japanese cabinet...
Nousha first came to England, from Tehran, in 1968, so it's probably no surprise that this Persian doll is her favourite.
These toys are battery operated and move. In the corner, we have Jim Royle...
Random decorations include these flags...
In September, I went to see this boutique establishment about some writing work and ended up in a group photo with the friendly owners. Nousha Pakpour Samari (BEM) is the third from left; her son, Samandar, the second from the right and local MP Rupa Huq is second left. I am the spotty gal (my top, not my face!)
I returned this week to visit the museum. Rupa Huq has also written a magazine piece about the museum, to which she gave the title 'Secret Ealing.' The title I would give to this little hidden delight is 'Small but perfectly formed,' as this is exactly what this museum is.
Established in 2008, the museum is only open on Saturdays, although it can open at other times for groups and special events. Entrance is free but donations are always welcome. This side of the business is run by Nousha, who gives talks to groups of children- especially about costumes- and gets them to discuss, write and draw about their experiences. For an additional £2-3 per head, the pretty dining/ meeting room in the Caspian Hotel is always available for refreshments for such groups.
The museum began its existence because Nousha thought it unfair that west London had nothing, whilst east London has the V & A Museum of Childhood- which I visited very recently and here's the blog link:-
The International Dolls House Museum consists of one room only, and is nothing like the size of the aforementioned Museum of Childhood, but I believe that's where its beauty lies. There are lots of intriguing things here and it's rather like having a root around your favourite antique shop!
Here is my first view of the museum...
The blankets in the prams are all handmade. Nousha's background is in fashion, hair and beauty. She has taught the latter two disciplines and used to have her own boutique showcasing her handmade organic, washable, cotton lace creations. One of her favourite quotes is, 'Every wardrobe should have one lace outfit.' Lace is very much in vogue nowadays, largely due to the Duchess of Cambridge's gorgeous wedding dress and her personal fashion style.
The dolls are displayed in what appears to be quite a random fashion and it helped enormously having Nousha explain exactly what was what.
This cutie was right by the door...
I liked this languishing doll but found the piece of wood it was reclining on quite scary- rather like a threatening winged figure!
Some of the dolls and dolls' houses have been created by the Lady's Creative Centre, which Nousha founded in 1990. The idea behind it is to help women find their place in the community and release their talents, and its motto is 'Unity in Diversity.' She runs such activities as art and craft workshops, yoga and dance classes, computer and internet classes and also teaches English. It's about women from all over the world, of every nationality, living here in London; sharing skills. It is supported by National Lottery funding and local government and business.
These doll pictures were created during one such workshop...
...As was this lovely haberdashery...
The attention to detail inside is immense...
To add contrast, the back is a painted-on scene...
I had to squat and hold the front open with my elbow to get a picture of this dolls' house!
The museum abounds with super-cute miniatures and I loved this Humpty Dumpty.
Lady with a poodle...
Angels...
Handmade goods. For 13 years, Nousha has hosted International Creative Day, which is usually held in the Caspian Hotel, on the last Saturday in June. This year, however, to mark the occasion of the Royal Wedding, it was held in Windsor. Stallholders pay a basic fee of £20 and showcase their goods. Traditional teas, coffee and ice cream are available and there is music and dancing. Although it's aimed at females and female stallholders, men are welcome!😃
The message behind it is that creativity is important- it's in everything we do. The event encourages people to feel good about themselves.
Teddies...
Teddy calendar...
These dolls' houses represent the four seasons...
Metal miniatures...
I loved these shoes... But then again, I'm a shoe obsessive and I would!
Doll cabinets...
This is an 'expect the unexpected' kind of museum. Here's what I christened 'Cornucopia Corner.'
...Which had an interesting niche behind it...
International doll cabinet...
The museum is called 'international' because dolls of all nationalities feature. My favourite piece in the whole museum was the Spanish doll. I adore her beautiful, multicoloured dress.
Russian dolls...
Japanese cabinet...
Nousha first came to England, from Tehran, in 1968, so it's probably no surprise that this Persian doll is her favourite.
These toys are battery operated and move. In the corner, we have Jim Royle...
Bikini dolls...
I found the dolls in this cabinet quite scary...
Garden scene...
There is a story behind this doll. It was a lump of plaster which Nousha found in the street. She painted it and transformed it, just to show her friend what a bit of creative thinking and application can do.
Random decorations include these flags...
...And this Christmas tree outside in the small meeting room. It's near the end of January, so maybe it should come down!
In the back room, here is the Lady's Creative Centre 'Unity in Diversity' motto...
An embroidered version...
One of the disciplines Nousha teaches is dolls' house repair, and here's one badly in need of some TLC. It's a very good way for a young person who wants to become an interior designer to practice their creativity. I just managed to catch her in the photo too!
The International Dolls House Museum will not take up much of your time as it's so small- half an hour to an hour at most. But I can see it appealing to children (especially little girls) and lovers of the unusual, who like having an explore and engaging their senses.
It's definitely worth popping in if you're in the area, although maybe not something you'd go too far out of your way for- unless, of course, you combined it with a visit to another tourist attraction. The London Museum of Water & Steam is nearby, in Kew, as are the magnificent Kew Gardens and Syon Park.
I've blogged about the latter two, and here is the link to the Kew post :-
...And the Kew pagoda:-
...And here is the Syon Park link:-
TTFN
The Miss Elaineous
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