NOT ENTIRELY CHILD’S PLAY with Lila Rait

The earliest recorded doll house dates from 1557–58 and was made for Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria. It was not for children, but a display house for himself. For the first three centuries of doll house history, they were largely novelties for adults, their survival preserving details of domestic architecture and interior design. From the middle of the 19th century onwards, they became the playthings of children, providing instruction in household management.

Lila Rait is the author of Through the Nursery Window: A History of Antique and Collectable Dolls in Australia, 1788–1950. She has collected dolls and doll houses for more than 40 years and is regarded as one of the leading experts in Australia.