background sound effects such
as clatter from London streets or
scullery kitchens that make the
characters' voices seem as if they are
magically coming out of the houses.
1712: The Edmund Joy Wardrobe
looks very much like Kew Palace,
London, 1613, with its Dutch-style
gables astride a hipped roof. But
this miniature house is not really
a dollhouse; it is an extraordinary
piece of nursery furniture that no
doubt delighted its lucky little
owner. The house's front swings
open to reveal a plain interior with
pegs for small garments, and gaily
decorated drawers and shelves
for a child's treasures. Made of
oak and painted a dark russet, the
cream-colored details make it look
like a four-story house. Wallpaper
typical of the era lines the doors and
windows, with designs of stags and
figures printed from woodblocks and
hand painted. The glazed hexagonal
cupola on top is detachable. Edmund
Joy's signature and the date on the
The Tate Baby House, 58"W x 43"D x 76"H.
76
FALL 2016
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Doll News Fall 2016