Step inside the doll house and lose yourself in a miniature world of wonder and intrigue as Doll House: Miniature Worlds of Wonder transports visitors into the creative and subversive world of the doll house and miniature life at Como House.
Presented by the National Trust, Doll House: Miniature Worlds of Wonder will transport visitors into the creative world of the doll house and miniature life and features over 40 doll houses, furniture and accessories, ephemera and virtual experiences, unlocking the imagination of makers, collectors, activists and players.
Drawn from private collections, this exciting new exhibition showcases unseen doll houses from the 1880s to present day, as well as virtual experiences – where visitors can interact with doll houses like never before.
Simon Ambrose, CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), said the latest exhibition is a great way to experience a new world this winter.
“This exhibition is all about play, imagination and storytelling. We’ve had a fantastic time transforming Como House into a doll house of sorts, and we can’t wait to have visitors step inside and enjoy the smaller things in life,” said Simon.
Dr Annette Shiell, National Trust Executive Manager, Collections and Cultural Projects, said the exhibition unlocks the minds of makers, collectors, activists and players, revealing the stories hidden in their miniature worlds.
“Doll House: Miniature Worlds of Wonder has allowed us to connect with some incredible creators across Victoria, from home-made houses to elaborate cabinets of wonder, virtual worlds and their emergence as characters in crime and horror genres, doll houses are displayed as both an object of fantasy and a snapshot in time,” said Dr Shiell.
In developing the exhibition, the National Trust turned to well-known miniature artists, including Melbourne based lawyer Emily Boutard. Turning life-sized things into tiny is not new to Emily, as she has devoted many years to her craft.
“Working on the Doll House exhibition was an opportunity to share my passion and spread the wonder of tiny things,” said Emily. “I’ve never met a person who doesn’t smile when they see a tiny chair.”
“In these difficult times I’m so glad all the visitors who come to see the exhibition will get the chance to feel that pure and simple joy.”
Doll House: Miniature Worlds of Wonder
Como House, Corner Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Exhibition continues from 31 July 2021
Entry fees appy
For more information, visit: www.dollhousecomo.com for details.
Image: An historic Doll House on display – photo by Suzie Potter Photography