I have endeavoured to restore this to as near to its former beauty as possible withought damaging any of the original fabric. The frontage I did not touch at all paintwise but simply gave it a wipe over.
The 1990s roofing paper was removed and replaced with vintage style Lines paper from Dolls House Restoration (sadly all trace of any original papers were long gone). Then in true KT Miniatures style, used my paints to give the paper an aged look. It now looks like it's been there for several decades and quite natural.
All remants of the 1990s brick paper around the back and two sides were removed and replaced with an aged paint finish. Again, as there was not even a hint of any original papers, some water based paints to match the original base colour were used then left in a sanded condition. The result is very pleasing and natural.
The original large swing hook to slot into the eye in order to keep the frontage in a closed position (at the side) is missing. However this is not a problem as the frontage stays in a closed position when shut. If anything it is a bit stiff and commonly, like so many other old dolls houses, scrapes along the base on opening.
The interior was stripped of all 1990s wallpaper and childs scribble; sadly underneath it was completely devoid of all original decor, so beautiful antique wallpaper from the early 1900s was used to decorate the two large rooms. The two original Lines fireplaces still remained and fixed back into place - these were left untouched but I did insert some aged painted black card behind the grate as original backing had long gone. The floors were left sanded.
Finally the inside door was also stripped of 1990s wallpaper and childs scribble, then sanded well and simply given two coats of acrylic undercoat. On a dolls house of this mature age where all original papers are long gone, this is an ideal subtle finish. As a finishishing touch the windows were dressed in beautiful antique lace from the early 1900s.
During the restoration I found 4 woodworm holes in the base. I suspect they were old but this whole house has been fully treated as a precaution - as we do with all of the old dolls houses.
This 100year old dolls house has now been restored back to its former glory and is rather beautiful, waiting to embark on a new chapter in its very long life.
Measurements
Height = 26 1/2"
Width = 20 1/2"
Depth = Just over 16"
Ceiling Height = 10"
This house is for collection only due to it's weight plus because of its age, it is particularly fragile therefore at great risk of damage during transit. I am based in Thame, Oxfordshire.
Sorry, UK buyers only.
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