In addition, lot 583 includes several items related to Queen Mary’s Doll’s House. An autographed letter by Queen Mary, on Buckingham Palace headed paper dated April 1924 thanking those involved with the creation of the Dolls’ House reads:
It is with the greatest pleasure that I say “thank you" to all the very kind people who have helped to make the Dolls' House the most perfect present and I hope through showing it at the British Empire Exhibition, that it will be the means of receiving funds for the many charitable schemes that I have at heart. Mary R
Also included is The Book of the Queen's Dolls House, Vol. 1, limited edition no. 529 of 1500 (blue paper covered boards with crowned gilt monogram and date, cloth spine, with bookplate for Thomas Elsley, London: Methuen & Co., 1924). Estimate £400- £600.
They are coming to market now as the vendor saw an article about HRH Queen Camilla writing a miniature book to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Queen Mary Dolls’ house and remembered that she had the book and letters in a box in the loft, so decided it was time to find them a new home.
Jack Wallis, Works of Art Specialist, said: "This is a personal collection of items that have been kept together for 100 years and gives a touching insight into one of the men who helped make Queen Mary’s incredible Dolls’ House a reality. It is 100 years since Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition, so this lot is a timely and very personal reminder of the work of over 1,500 artists, craftspeople and manufacturers involved in creating the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the world.”
