| Doll houses, whether toys for children or collectible | | | | ambitious designers of the era, the industrial |
| items for adults, come in any architectural style | | | | revolution was in full swing at that point, and it |
| imaginable. From the logical geometric designs of | | | | became possible to mass produce the style |
| classical and neoclassical architecture to the | | | | elements needed to create the Victorian look and |
| sometimes confusing subtlety of modern design, | | | | feel. Another factor in the development of |
| miniature houses run the gamut. But what is it | | | | Victorian architecture was the advent of the |
| about Victorian architecture that is so attractive | | | | locomotive. This allowed construction materials to |
| to doll house collectors? Of all the different | | | | be shipped long distances which enabled those in |
| architectural styles, the Victorian style is by far | | | | remote areas to build ever more ornate homes. |
| the most popular. | | | | Victorian dollhouses are so charming because, like |
| One of the elements of Victorian design that is of | | | | the full-size houses built in the same style, they |
| great interest to miniature enthusiasts is the | | | | have a personality. The romance and elegance |
| incredibly elaborate, purely ornate character of | | | | of a bygone era can be captured once again in a |
| Victorian architecture. Featuring lofty, gothic | | | | tiny world. There is a very profound magical |
| spires, enormous wrap around balconies and | | | | quality to Victorian architecture that reminds one |
| porches, and majestic double swinging doorways, | | | | of faeries, enchanted gardens, and secret |
| this type of house provides ample opportunities to | | | | passageways Every Victorian dollhouse has its |
| indulge in the little details that miniaturists love. In | | | | own character, which the owner can then |
| fact, the more nooks and crannys there are, the | | | | embelish with colors, furnishings and decorations |
| more most miniaturists love it. Not only is a | | | | that add their personal touch to the finished |
| Victorian dollhouse an enjoyable challenge to their | | | | product. |
| building skills, but an opportunity to create a truly | | | | Surprisingly enough, doll houses in the Victorian era |
| spectacular showpiece. | | | | were used more for instruction than play. |
| As is the case with almost any style of art or | | | | Victorian dollhouses served as teaching aids to |
| architecture, there are historical reasons for the | | | | show young ladies the proper way to behave and |
| elaborate nature of Victorian design. The | | | | how to care for a home. Indeed, some Victorian |
| austerity and neoclassicism of British architecture | | | | doll houses were large enough to let the child |
| in the years leading up to the reign of Queen | | | | stand inside and learn how to perform the |
| Victoria gave way to more spectacular designs | | | | domestic duties that would some day be |
| during the Victorian era. Fortunately for the more | | | | expected of her. |