Kensington Dollhouse Festival

The Kensington Show is always a special and this year was no exception. It is simply a treat to wander through the aisles and sigh over the marvelous items available. With so many things to grab your attention it is hard to complete one  continuous circuit of the show and not get side tracked and end up darting from aisle to aisle as some new treasure grabs your eye. 

The show is on 3 levels  and unfortunately the main elevator was unexpectedly  out of commission. An alternative was available and didn't stop the committed miniaturists from making their way to all the floors. 

I took the photos before the show opened so you could see some of the tables. After that it was too crowded to see more than people's heads.

The list of dealers reads like a whos who of miniatures and are far to numerous to list here.

Rogers and Mulvaney displayed  their usual high level of craftsmanship with a lovely French salon. Although applying the term 'usual' to their creations is definitely an oxymoron. 

Miyuki Porcelain is always a show stopper as is Vitreus Ignis blown glass.

And of course there was the Petworth Miniatures stall.😉

The PIMA Awards have become an important part of Kensington.

They showcase the best of artisan miniatures and include some unique pieces.

 This year's  1st place went to Catmando for a fully jointed hand carved artist's mannequin

only 1 inch tall. 

2nd place went to Elizabeth McInnes for a lovely little Dik-Dik.

One of the honourable Mention Awards went to Paul Briggs. His scale miniature of the Cutty Sark was mounted on a salvaged piece of the original Cutty Sark making it truly one of a kind.

I did manage to do a bit of shopping too.

Bronze horses from Arte Forge and an Egyptian cat for Hungerford Manor from Neil Carter. Cranberry Glass from Glasscraft 

The dome with the tiny blue tits by Tiny Tales is a particular treasure.

And of course miniature books from Dateman Books, Ellie de Lacey and Miniatuurenboekbinden.

There never seems to be enough time to see everything I want or buy everything I wish had. I guess I will just have to go back next year. LOL

 It was a great trip and a chance to visit Jill and Chris Gabbey in Devon. We also stopped in Petworth after the show and went to Petworth House. Funny it doesn't look anything like my place.

cheers

 Gayle

www.petworthminiatures.com