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Val Ripley, at the age of 101, continues to find joy in dolls’ houses, a passion that began when she was just eight years old. On Christmas Day in 1932, she vividly recalls waking up to find a large, carefully wrapped parcel from her parents. “I remember thinking ‘they can’t have bought me that one’, and it was my pride and joy my whole childhood,” she said. This cherished dolls’ house stayed with her through much of her early life.
During World War II, when Val’s father rejoined the Army in 1939, the family’s belongings, including the treasured dolls’ house and toys, were stored away as the family relocated. After settling into a new home, these items were placed in the attic and remained hidden for many years. Val explained, “We thought they were all gone. But after our mother died in 1977, my sister Pam and I discovered all our toys in their pre-war crates. It was so emotional, I can’t tell you.” Motivated by this rediscovery, the sisters decided to share their collection with the public, leading to the establishment of the Ty Twt Dolls House and Toy Museum in Newport, Pembrokeshire, around 26 years ago.
The museum showcases a rich array of vintage toys, acting as a reflection of social history and changing lifestyles across generations. The oldest dolls’ house in the collection dates back to 1840, representing a typical Victorian era home of a wealthy family. Val noted, “That was the date when dolls’ houses became children’s toys.” Before then, such houses were expensive display pieces, usually handcrafted for the wealthy. However, the Industrial Revolution expanded production and made dolls’ houses sturdier and more affordable, allowing children to play with them regularly.
One of Val’s favorite exhibits is a tiny school for bears, complete with named pupils and teachers. She fondly recalls the names she gave them, such as “Reggie, Bruce, Yvonne, Carol, Gus, Penny, Miss Brewin, Mr Edwards the headmaster,” and her father’s playful Latin motto, *Ursus Nobiscum* — “Bear with Us.” Even now, Val continues to add new pieces to her collection whenever she spots something unique. “If I see something I haven’t got, I still buy it,” she shared. Though her sister Pam has passed away, Val remains devoted to hosting visitors and school groups, introducing them to toys from the past and keeping the legacy alive
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