Miniature Collecting
Miniature collecting is the practice of acquiring small-scale replicas of various objects, ranging from furniture and dolls to intricate scenes and art pieces. This hobby has roots that trace back to 6,000 BCE, with early miniatures likely used in religious contexts. Over the centuries, the appeal of miniatures has evolved, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, when they were crafted with exceptional detail for both children and adults. Collectors today often focus on elements such as condition, rarity, scale, and the craftsmanship of the pieces, with 1:12 scale being a standard measurement.
The market for miniatures has seen significant growth, fueled by contemporary artisans and the rise of online platforms that connect collectors. While some individuals may view miniature collecting as a means to profit, many engage in it for the joy of accumulation and the creative expression it offers. Trade shows, clubs, and dedicated organizations further enhance the community aspect of the hobby, making it a rewarding pursuit for many enthusiasts. As interest in miniatures continues to flourish, both antique and modern pieces attract attention, establishing miniature collecting as a vibrant and culturally rich pastime.
Miniature Collecting
History
Miniatures have existed since 6,000 BCE, when early humans formed miniature figures out of bone and ivory. These early miniatures were probably used in religious ceremonies. Miniature models of food, furniture, figures and animals have also been found in Egyptian tombs.
People have collected miniature works of art, including diminutive furniture, since the Middle Ages.
By the early fifteenth century, miniature dolls dressed in the current fashion of the day could be found in Germany, Holland, England, France and Italy. Historians do not know if these fashion dolls were intended for children or for adult collectors. Intricate clothing and accessories were made and collected for the dolls.
One of the first documented miniature collectibles for adults, Baron von Stromer's "baby house," was introduced in Germany in 1637. Skilled architects and artisans meticulously crafted houses complete with miniature furniture, rugs, dolls, paintings, china, and silver sets.
The popularity of miniatures increased through the eighteenth century. Miniature portraiture was common until the invention of photography. Miniature dolls, houses, books, clocks, and very detailed accessories were available for wealthy children and adults.
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, dollhouse miniatures became more commonplace as a result of advances in manufacturing. A larger proportion of society suddenly had access to miniature items. In Victorian times, miniature rooms depicting shops and farms were used as teaching tools for children. Salesmen, including cabinetmakers and architects, used miniatures as samples. Many of these miniatures are still collected.
During the twentieth century, miniature collecting continued. Lower quality miniature furniture of tin, molded plastic and wood entered the market for children. The adult collectible market remained strong. During the 1970s, many miniature collectors' magazines and reference books were published. Contemporary folk and decorative artists rediscovered the world of miniatures.
Miniature collecting has continued into the twenty-first century. In recent years, more contemporary artists are working in the medium, and producing high quality pieces. Miniature collectors enjoy the attention to detail, quality, form and style found in miniature pieces.
On February 26, 2019, members of the Cottage Industries Miniaturists Trade Association (CIMTA) voted to dissolve the organization.
Things to Look For
Generally speaking, miniature collectors look at condition, overall quality, rarity, scale, and desirability. Scale is important, as a piece can look out of place in a collection if it isn't the same size. The standard scale in modern miniature work is 1:12. This means that every inch in miniature is equal to 1 foot in life size. Another common size is 1:6 scale, which is also referred to as play scale.
Some miniaturists collect by artist and will look for maker's marks and signatures. Signed pieces are generally more valuable.
When buying antiques, collectors should look for stains, breakage, obvious repairs and consistent fabric pieces. Items that smell moldy or smoky should be avoided. For wood pieces, a collector should look for chips and cracks. The finish should be consistent.
When buying vintage plastic miniatures, collectors should be aware that mold could be a problem. A good reference book will help the collector choose quality pieces.
Trends
Miniature collecting is growing as more artisans are working in the medium. Fine art pieces in glass, pottery, porcelain and metal work are often sought after.
Collections of antique pieces have garnered such high dollar amounts that auction houses often feature miniatures. Collecting vintage furniture from the 1940s through the 1970s and decorating miniature vignettes for specific holidays have increased in popularity.
The Internet continues to attract collectors as more websites that highlight the hobby of miniature collecting become available. Collage artists and mixed media artists often use miniatures in their art. Roombox fine artisans offer roomboxes complete with period furnishings for sale for thousands of dollars.
Collecting Miniatures for Fun vs. Profit
Although it is possible to profit from buying and selling miniatures, most collectors enjoy the accumulation of pieces and working with their collection. For many collectors, the active hobby of being a miniaturist and sharing your work with others is very rewarding. Many collectors also find attending trade shows and clubs to be an important and fun part of the hobby.
If a collector carefully purchases antique or modern fine art miniatures, these one-of-a-kind pieces will usually increase in value. Some collectors may make and sell their own miniatures online or at trade shows to finance their own miniature collection.
Learning More
Organizations
International Guild of Miniature Artisans <http://www.igma.org/>
Miniature Artists of America <https://www.miniatureartistsofamerica.org/>
National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts <http://www.miniatures.org/>
Museums
Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys <https://www.dmmdt.org/>
Great American Dollhouse Museum <http://www.thedollhousemuseum.com/>
Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection <http://ksbminiaturescollection.com/>
Kruger Collection <http://krugercollection.unl.edu>
Midwest Miniatures Museum <http://www.midwestminiaturesmuseum.com/>
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures <https://theminitimemachine.org/>
Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections Inc. <https://www.museumofminiatures.org/>
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures <https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/>
Thorne Miniature Rooms, Art Institute of Chicago <https://www.artic.edu/departments/PC-15/thorne-miniature-rooms>
Books
Liebcap, Karen, and Walter Foster. The Big Book of Tiny Art: A Modern, Inspirational Guide to the Art of the Miniature. Walter Foster Publishing, 2016.
Mackay, James. An Encyclopedia of Small Antiques. Ward Lock Limited, 1975.
Nesbett, Jean. A Beginners' Guide to the Dolls' House Hobby. Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd., 1997.
Siegrist, Wes, and Kay Patryszak. Modern Masters of Miniature Art in America: Preserving Traditions and Exploring New Styles. Wes Siegrist, 2010.
Woodruff, Marie. Early America in Miniatures The 18th Century. Sterling Publishing Co., 1976.