Dolls: It’s a Small World

Portland Basin Museum has been taken over by dolls for its new exhibition. ‘Dolls: It’s a Small World’ features a wonderful mix of dolls loaned by local people. The museum had a fantastic response to its public appeal for dolls to star in the exhibition, with over different 40 people’s dolls on show. The dolls come from all eras, from Victorian times to the present day. Some have been treasured since childhood while others have been bought as collector’s items.

Dolls people might recognise include Tiny Tears, Katie Kopycat, Barbie, Sindy, Action Man, Pippa, Holly Hobbie, Archie Andrews, Star Wars and many, many more.

There are also dolls houses and miniature shops with an amazing attention to detail. The miniatures have all been completely hand-made by local people and include a 1940s house, a toy shop, a grocer’s shop and a pawnbroker’s shop.

There are lots of activities to keep younger visitors entertained such as making paper dolls, finding the trail of tiny hidden dolls and enjoying a doll’s tea party.

The exhibition ran until 22nd April 2010. Entry to the museum and the exhibition is free.