You couldn’t technically call this a miniature dollhouse, as there is no house at all. Still, this miniature scene titled, “Gypsy Camp,” is packed with tiny details–from singing and dancing gypsy dolls to two tiny hedgehogs in a fruit box. 

Retired marine Joe Haring was a sailor and a craftsman. He and his wife, Jan, shared a passion for building and furnishing miniature houses. Though often referred to as dollhouses, they are actually scale model stages built to showcase both the craftsmanship of the builders and the decorating skills of the collector. Typically built at a scale of 1”=1’, the various structures in the Haring collection include correct architectural details from staircases to gas meters, and even tiny accessories like fuse boxes. Many of the furnishings were made by other skilled craftsmen who specialize in building miniature furniture for collectors. 

Exhibit added: April 9, 2013 - Last modified: November 13, 2023

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship