17 March 2009
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Hammond House
In the previous Wallington feature we looked at Ann Sutcliffe’s visit to the 17th century mansion hidden away in the rolling hills or ‘Middle Marches’ as they are called, where there is a whole room full of dolls houses. ...
Here we complete Hammond House and introduce you to the Angus Collection – a great find from Ann Sutcliffe's visit to the 17th century mansion in Wallington.
Hammond House
The massive Hammond House stands in pride of place at the centre of the display. This enormous dolls house is dated to 1886 and is nearly nine feet long. The house was found in a Yorkshire attic and was given to Wallington with all its contents in 1970. Further information is given in last month’s issue.
The Angus Collection
Mrs Graham Angus of Northumberland collected dolls houses all her life. On her death in 1973, her family graciously donated her extensive collection to join the Hammond House at Wallington.
The Long House
This dolls house, circa 1870, is one of my favourites amongst all the ‘other’ houses at Wallington. The house has its original painted exterior which is similar in hue to Wallington itself, a sort of ‘weak tea’ colour. Inside the eight room house, all the carpets are hand made and the furniture is mostly German and of the same era as the house. The Long House is considered to be the finest in the Angus Collection, and as such has been furnished with Mrs. Angus’ best furniture and dolls.
The White House
Dated to between 1875 and 1880 the White House is a six-room dolls house, with an additional side wing and a small garden. Inside, its fine staircase dominates the house and the needlework carpets are hand stitched period miniatures. Also of note is the built-in kitchen dresser and the authentic, albeit peeling, wall papers. Scale not being too strictly followed in antique dolls houses, the kitchen is charming with tiny chairs and enormous plates of food.
The Joiner’s House
Out of all the dolls houses at Wallington, I think this one is my very favourite. Hidden at the bottom of a cupboard, this tiny wee property is believed to have been made by a country joiner for his daughter around about 1835-1840, hence it’s name! The exterior paintwork is original, as are the interior painted walls, which were found underneath modern wallpaper. Inside there are scale differences in the mid-Victorian features which are common in older houses, but this all adds to its charm.
Wallington itself, despite being a little off the beaten track, is also well worth the visit. Not only is the interior interesting and fine, with good collections of art, needlework and china, but there are extensive grounds, a walled garden, a National Trust shop, a restaurant and a farm shop to visit too. Indeed, plenty to keep the whole party busy whilst you immerse yourself in the fabulous dolls houses!
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