30+ years, on-going
Maker: Ann Meehan
H 110 x W 104 x D 38 cm
Collection: Ann Meehan
Maker: Ann Meehan
H 110 x W 104 x D 38 cm
Collection: Ann Meehan
I think it all started because I have always had an interest in making anything that involved "fine detail". I enjoy embroidery (especially counted cross-stitch), knitting, tapestry, botanical art and decoupage and have always loved the architecture and design of "Victorian" houses.
In the late 1980s, I decided that I would like a doll house in which I could create and wall-paper "dream" rooms in the Victorian style. I was inspired by a visit to Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle.
My father made the basic house, according to my instructions, consisting of nine box-like rooms with openings for the doors and windows. A very basic lighting system was installed and the rest was up to me. I wanted the rooms to look as real as possible and tried to adhere to strict measurements when adding architectural features. I started at the top of the house and worked my way down with no pre-conceived idea of what the end result would be!
The addition of decorative details was the most enjoyable part. I loved wall-papering the rooms. My favourite room is the library, which contains items and furniture that I have mostly made myself, including the books, armchairs, petit-point cushions and rug.
