Charlotte Bronte's handiwork set for auction
Described as "unique" by art experts, the cabinet contains four rooms decorated with miniature figures and furniture by the author of Jane Eyre. It was last owned by Roger Warner, the legendary antiques dealer, whose private collection is to be auctioned by Christie's in January.
The "George II grained four-room 'baby' house circa 1750" was redecorated by Bronte in 1839 during her time as a governess for the Sidgwicks, a wealthy family based in Skipton, Yorkshire.
Bronte was deeply unhappy working for the family, who lived in an imposing house known as Stonegappe, which is thought to have provided the inspiration for Gateshead Hall, the house where Jane Eyre's story begins.
Bronte's redecoration of the doll's house is mentioned in a letter she wrote to her sister, Emily, in June 1839: "I said in my last letter that Mrs [Sidgwick] did not know me. I now begin to find she does not intend to know me; that she cares nothing about me, except to contrive how the greatest possible quantity of labour may be got out of me; and to that end she overwhelms me with oceans of needlework; yards of cambric to hem, muslin night-caps to make, and, above all things, dolls to dress."
Mr Warner is thought to have paid around £400 at auction for the doll's house in 1974, which is expected to fetch up to £8,000 when it goes on sale next month...
Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)
The "George II grained four-room 'baby' house circa 1750" was redecorated by Bronte in 1839 during her time as a governess for the Sidgwicks, a wealthy family based in Skipton, Yorkshire.
Bronte was deeply unhappy working for the family, who lived in an imposing house known as Stonegappe, which is thought to have provided the inspiration for Gateshead Hall, the house where Jane Eyre's story begins.
Bronte's redecoration of the doll's house is mentioned in a letter she wrote to her sister, Emily, in June 1839: "I said in my last letter that Mrs [Sidgwick] did not know me. I now begin to find she does not intend to know me; that she cares nothing about me, except to contrive how the greatest possible quantity of labour may be got out of me; and to that end she overwhelms me with oceans of needlework; yards of cambric to hem, muslin night-caps to make, and, above all things, dolls to dress."
Mr Warner is thought to have paid around £400 at auction for the doll's house in 1974, which is expected to fetch up to £8,000 when it goes on sale next month...