Express & Star

Miniature marvels bring in crowds

A seller stands eagerly behind a colourful array of fruit and veg baskets while a tempting selection of sweet jars glistens behind him.

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A seller stands eagerly behind a colourful array of fruit and veg baskets while a tempting selection of sweet jars glistens behind him.

Then there is a grisly image from Frankenstein of a blood-stained sheet concealing a body strapped onto a humble wooden surgery table, an intricate kitchen complete with scores of pots and pans, and a delicately designed stained glass church window created in miniature.

These were just some of the delights depicted in miniature at an annual dolls house show in Stafford, which attracted collectors from all over the country. The Stafford Dolls House and Miniature Collectors Fair was held at Stafford County Showground over the weekend and attracted thousands of visitors.

Some stallholders said attendances seemed to be higher than last year, as more people flocked to freshen up their miniature homes for the new year.

A total of 91 stalls were on offer, stocking everything needed to equip a dolls house, including furniture and household equipment. Exhibitor Mike Tripp, of Doxey, Stafford, was selling his miniature ironworks. Mr Tripp, aged 77, who works from home, said: "It was a good event, and lots of people attended, which is what we need.

"Collectors and exhibitors come from all over the country for this.

"Most of the people selling their goods there make them themselves.

"This isn't children's dolls houses but real collectors' stuff. It's been popular for many years now, and there are shows like this held somewhere in the country most weekends."

The Stafford show is held twice a year, in January and September, and is run by Doreen Jeffries, of Bradford, and her husband Bob.

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