Salon International de la Maison de Poupée /SIMP-Expo

 

Yesterday, on Sunday, I went to the 1-day Summer doll house fair, Salon International de la Maison de Poupée /SIMP-EXPO.

I was looking for tiny roses 🌹 my current obsession 

I found bears frolicking in bed

And bears in the pantry.

I almost came home with a bee 🐝 striped bear 🐻 Just a few alterations (remove antenna) add stripes I was thinking 🤔 Bear could have a baby bro. But I still have a tiny radish from a previous SIMP visit.

Wonderful 20’s style hats/chapeau on offer

A closer view with tiny price tags.

Are you into tiny things?

A throwback memory to our childhood. I held on to this plastic sewing machine (the hand wheel moved the needle up & down) for the longest time…lost on the trip to Paris.

Dollhouses started in Germany in the 16th century and were especially popular in The Netherlands. They were called ‘Baby houses’ and specifically for wealthy adults, often replicating their homes in perfect miniature.

I found out all this fascinating info watching Tasmin Bassett’s video on the 10 most expensive dollhouses in history.

I found out more at the show chatting with Charlotte & Lola of Kensington Dollhouse Festival. Their charming items are authentic vintage pieces made in the 1970’s-80’s. It appears we Americans 🇺🇸 are the biggest fanatics of all collectors. And the US has the biggest Dollhouse show in Chicago! Quelle surprise 😮 

Kensington Dollhouse Festival at Christmas 🎄 in London will be terrific fun. I want to go.

I arrived very late, but there were still plenty of snacks available.

And so many tartes!

There is always jam of course - an absolute essential 👍

And of course exquisite china dishes for your jam & fromage 🧀 hand-made from renown Marie-France Beglan. Don’t miss her adorable website. 

I loved ❤️ this insouciant doll presiding over the French miniature theaters.

Of course dear Alice always holds reign 👑 at these events. 

Figurart made these clever Alice theater boxes with moving elements.

Don’t be sad you missed this show. Come back to Paris for the December Christmas show. And to London. Why not?

I’m Carol Gillott, an artist living in Paris. Every month I send out beautifully illustrated letters that capture the true Parisian experience. Sign up to receive these whimsical treasures in your mail.📮

Thanks for reading PB ❤️

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Oh why didn’t I buy this absolutement essential sheep 🐑 rocking ‘horse’??