Windsor Castle is hosting a magical exhibition during 2024, which will celebrate the centenary of Queen Mary's Dollhouse, the largest and most decorated miniature house in the world.
Built between 1921 and 1924, this extraordinary piece of art showcased the painstaking work of over 1,500 designers and artisans.
The doll's house of Queen Mary, wife of King George V (grandmother and grandfather of the late Queen Elizabeth), was a gift given to her after the First World War, and has since been known as a labor of love and a charming proof of the complexity of miniature art.
With fully functioning electricity, running water, the doll's house, a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an Edwardian residence, detailed to reflect the interior life and opulence of the period named after the reigning king at the time (1910-1901), Edward VII.
It includes a spacious living room with gold-embossed wallpaper, luxurious suites, a marble entrance hall, a nursery and a library full of tiny books penned by prominent authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ('Sherlock Holmes') and A.A.
Milne ('Winnie the Pooh').
Don't forget the beautifully manicured garden, a garage with royal carriages and a wine cellar.
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The exhibition will reveal new pieces, including a miniature version of the crown jewels adorned with real diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and pearls, adding another layer of splendor to this already magnificent collection.
Among the tiny treasures, visitors can admire a fully functioning Singer sewing machine, a vintage-style vacuum cleaner, and a copper teapot stamped with the king's portrait.
The extraordinary creation was led by acclaimed British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and took more than three years to complete.
It represents not only an architectural wonder but a collective effort on an unprecedented scale in the field of miniature art.
Lutyens aspired to create a 'miniature mansion' fit for royalty, albeit on a much smaller scale, paying homage to the English lifestyle of the royal family.
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The exhibition should attract not only royalty and history buffs, but also those fascinated by the allure of sweet miniature creations.
As the concepts of 'cute' and 'kawaii' continue to appear in social media and popular culture, the Queen Mary's Dollhouse emerges as a significant artifact, blending historical grandeur with the contemporary appeal of cuteness.
The 'kawaii' (cute in Japanese) culture, a worldwide trend that originated in the cherry blossom country of the seventies, includes fashion, art and everyday items.
Mary's Dollhouse was of course first, but it fits in just fine.
The new exhibition will run until the end of the year at Windsor Castle, the King's country residence, a 45-minute drive from central London.
It is included in the regular tour of Windsor Castle and is suitable for the whole family.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance.
Skin information on the official website.
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