Olivia's House

Number 17 had to be on the front door as that was the number of her grandchildren’s home.  

‘When Olivia was born in the year 2000, mum was besotted and put her mind to all of the wonderful things she could create and share with her. The dolls’ house was in her mind for some time. She meticulously planned and designed the house - right down to the tiny chimney pots made of wooden cotton reels.  

Once the plans were prepared, mum contacted a long-time family friend, carpenter/builder Albie Birrell who had built their first home (with dad, Brian, and mum’s assistance) in the late 1950s.  After building our family home, Albie and mum designed and built Olivia's doll's house ... some forty-five years later. 

Mum then included her brother Ian, a keen hobbyist woodworker, to join her in designing and making tiny furniture.  

The doll house is a treasured object in my home and memory, and we will pass this memory/story on in the future’.  Ruth Lowes (Vera’s daughter)