Saturday, December 28, 2013

Kensington Miniature Fair....







 It has been a long held dream of mine to visit the Kensington Miniature Fair......well, this time around my dream came true.

While several of you have asked to see what I bought, I must warn you I used a huge amount of 'self control'!!! I was more than happy to see the work of miniaturists that I have long admired and only seen through a computer screen. People like....Mulvany & Rogers (wow!!)...John & Sue Hodgson, Robert Dawson of 'The Modelroom', Ray Storey, Stokesay Ware, Danny Shotton, Mike Sparrow (double WOW!!) and so many, many more.

The day was made more special by having my friend Jo there to enjoy it with me.....I met Jo here in Australia and we traveled to several miniature fairs here together, but Jo returned to her homeland and we were both excited to know that we would again meet after several years apart.

What did I buy? I could not pass-up the chance to buy Robert Dawson's 'Miniature French Town House' (144th scale). Robert made the exterior of 'The Pistner House' and I believe this might be modelled after that. I bought several little pieces (again) from Elisabeth Causeret. Ray Storey tempted me with a lovely light (please note the shade is a lot softer in colour than shown in the photo). The beautiful frame is by John & Sue Hodgson.......and the little 'bits & bots' are from Danny Shotton, Laurence St. Ledger & David Edwards.

Needless to say, 2014 will be a year of 'orders' to the UK.....I saw so much that I wanted!!!!
Oh yes......a gift of miniature (workable) embroidery scissor (by Danny Shotton) are on their way to another dear friend.....Catherine Ronan. (Yes, she knows....I didn't just ruin the surprise...lol!!) I thought they were exquisite, so keep an eye on her blog....she might just show us when they arrive.

'Paris Creations' was also on while I was in Paris. I bought more lovely kits from Pascale Garnier and the white tea set (above) from Elisabeth Causeret.
Several of the lovely Paris (miniature) ladies made me feel very welcome on several occasions while in Paris. Look at the beautiful gift I received from Catherine Buron.....my heart melts every time I look at it.....it is so precious to me, I love it......thank you again Catherine.

So there you have it.....a few pretty things from a fair I have ALWAYS wanted to go to!!!

15 comments:

12Create said...

What beautiful items you have purchased, especially that beautiful frame and what a lovely painting you were gifted. Going to the Kensington Dolls House Fair is on my to-do list some time in the long distant future! When I lived in London I was into teddy bears and used to attend the Kensington Teddy Bear Show. If only I had known where my interests would lie in the future.

Catherine said...

Oooh...I have been dying to see what you bought. It was well worth the wait too. WOW! You got some lovely things. I adore the 1: 144 scale house it is just charming. Just your style.
Elizabeth Causeret's work is always perfection.I particularly love the white.
That frame is GORGEOUS!!! I just love it with the gilt and the green. I am curious to see what (if anything) you put inside it. The lamp is very pretty!!!
All the tiny bits and pieces... OMG I love them all. Those tiny spools and that sweet little plumb bob and the honey dipper. Danny Shotton is just amazing!
But what could be better then one of Catherine Buron's paintings! I love it. So perfect for you new project. :-)
Thank you for sharing all these great photos.
PS.... I am sooo excited about the embroidery scissors. OXOXOXoooh....

Lucille said...

A worthwhile trip! Lovely purchases!

Daydreamer said...

Oh Heavens! What beautiful items you chose! The ceramics are Gorgeous! But that mini "Maison" is the Perfect purchase!!! I hope you are going to show us what you are building...?? Your collections are always Exquisite!
I wish you a Very Happy New Year!

miraclechicken said...

Nice haul!!!! Absolutely beautiful selections, what fun :) I've always dreamed of going to KDF---maybe someday.....

elizabeth s said...

Hello Linda! All the things that you purchased at the fair are Wonderful! Having heard so much about the quality of the Kensington Fair I am happy that you were able to finally to attend whilst still in Europe! Every single item that you bought is a mini Work of Art!.... Lucky Girl! :D

elizabeth

Anna said...

Lucky you, Linda! I've wanted to go to Kensington since I was ten (I'm not kidding) but haven't made it there yet. Your purchases are exquisite!

17-17 said...

You chose so cute minis! all is beautiful. Happy New Year!!
Magda

Catherine said...

I am very happy to finally see all the wonders that you have purchased. I like them all. this is a wonderful choice. I embrace you
Catherine

Margaret said...

OOh, gorgeous purchases Linda, lucky you getting to two great mini fairs. I adore the tiny house, and the frame most of all, but everything is just perfect.

Bambi said...

Well done Linda! I can only imagine the delicious gifts your family were opening Christmas Day. Baby would have grown quite a bit...heavier too! This has been a lovely Christmas for our family too x

Josje said...

Wow, you did show constraint! I am never very good at that when visiting a show ;-) Your purchases are lovely. It is so good you got to meet all the miniaturists in real life now, and see those beautiful miniatures in reality. It is so difficult to judge something from a photo...but seeing these things in real life can help you judge miniatures from a photo in future.

Bird said...

Oh my goodness. Everything is so gorgeous. To see such beautiful detail in miniatures really makes me wish for some of them myself. I have only just started a few months back or so to make a dollhouse, make miniatures and have fun with these things. I always wanted to have a dollhouse but never did. Now in my 40's I feel a combination of being a little girl and also a self made "artist" of sorts working on the furniture and such that I post on my blog. What a beautiful and fun trip you had. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Your blog is beautiful and magical. Blessings, Bird http://birdsearthyspirit.blogspot.com/

miniacollection said...

Thank you for showing us all these little treasures. Going to the Kensington Fair must have been a real treat.
I particularly like the house and the frame and of course, the painting by Catherine. Everything is really wonderful and perfect.
Have a wonderful New Year!!!
Geneviève

Troy said...

Congrats on finally making it to the show. It is on my list of things to do as well! Your photos are great. Thank you for posting. Best wishes for the new year.