SYMPOSIUM Small Worlds Dolls’ Houses

Historic Dolls' Houses from the 18th and 19th Centuries The current exhibition, Small Worlds, aims to go beyond showing dolls’ houses simply as exquisite collector’s items by exploring wider themes, such as the part they played in girls education and women’s history, links with philanthropy (because toys for wealthy children were often furnished with the labours of the poorest), and their importance as material culture. We are holding a special day symposium to explore further some of these themes. To be chaired by Adrian Tinniswood and featuring Liza Antrim in conversation with Antique Roadshow’s Fergus Gambon, the event will bring together a panel of speakers who are experts in their fields. Kathryn Jones, Curator of Decorative Arts, the Royal Collection, will talk about Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House while curators from the V&A and the National Trust showcase other national treasures and their links with the English Country House. The idea of dolls houses as ‘emotional objects’ and their connection with philanthropy and the history of childhood is explored by Professor Joanne Bailey of Oxford Brooks and Dr. Mary Claire Martin of Greenwich University, while symbolic inspiration for film and literature, in particular the ghost story and all things gothic, is covered by Lucy Arnold of Leeds University in a splendidly named paper, ‘Shrinking in Terror’! Following on from the success of last year’s symposium the event will attract both academics from around the country as well as the general visitor and dolls’ house enthusiast, build links with Bath Spa University ( Professor Elaine Chalus will facilitate questions) and provide an important networking opportunity with the wider academic community. Click 'here' to download the full symposium programme. Tickets £55    Students £35 Tickets include lunch and an evening reception at No.1 Royal Crescent. A small number of bursary places are available to students. Click 'here' to download a bursary application form. The deadline for bursary applications is Tuesday 27 October.