Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

The July/August 2017 issue of PieceWork features a story on Charlotte Brontë and the Sidgwick dollhouse, housed in the collection of the Leeds Museums and Art Galleries. It’s amazing how the change in scale of a dolls’ house leads to a vastly different perspective when looking at everyday objects.

Another magnificent dolls’ house also resides in Great Britain. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Windsor Castle, a must if you hop the pond, don’t miss Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. At a scale of 1:12, this castle within a castle is a true wonder.

Queen Mary (1867–1953) was an avid collector and patron of the arts. The suggestion for a dolls’ house came from her cousin, Princess Marie Louise (1872–1956). Constructed after the Great War (1914–1918) during the years 1921 to 1924 by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, no detail was overlooked in the fabrication of this miniature aristocratic residence or in the thousands of miniature objects that inhabit the dwelling. Plus, the dolls’ house was fitted with the modern conveniences of the day, including both electricity and hot and cold running water. All facets of British high-born life are represented—both upstairs and downstairs. It is truly a dolls’ house fit for a queen!

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House contains no shortage of miniature needlework. Nearly every room holds tiny textile treasures and even the means to make them, complete with threads, trimmings, and a miniature sewing machine. From crochet bedspreads and embroidered table linens to needlepoint cushions and silk rugs, the presence of opulent needlecraft infuses the abode with regal warmth.

To learn more about Queen Mary and her amazing dolls’ house, read Deborah Pulliam’s article “Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House” featured in the November/December 2000 issue, and find even more miniatures in the current Winter 2024 issue of PieceWork.

Also, remember that if you are an active subscriber to PieceWork magazine, you have unlimited access to previous issues, including July/August 2017, November/December 2000, and Winter 2024. See our help center for the step-by-step process on how to access them.

Originally published November 3, 2017; updated November 25, 2024.