Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle

I cannot let Oscar week end without mentioning one of the most famous connections between miniatures and Hollywood.  Silent film star Colleen Moore had a lifelong obsession with dollhouses. 

She commissioned the Fairy Castle, an 8 foot, whimsical, delight of a 1” scale dream. She was one of the most popular actresses of her day; the star of the 1934’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ had the resources to enlist top talent to produce her miniature fantasy.   Work on the Fairy Castle began in 1928.  By 1935, some 100 designers and artists had worked on the house.  Walt Disney himself, painted some of the murals in the Castle. When the project was complete Moore organized a national tour to showcase the Castle in major cities across the country.  In the end the tour raised $650,000 between 1935 and 1939, which was donated to children struggling with poverty as a result of the Great Depression.  In 1949 Moore donated her Fairy Castle to the Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry for all to enjoy.  Millions of visitors have enjoyed this amazing collection.  It is to this day a highlight of the museum’s collection.

I hope you have all enjoyed our efforts to have fun with our MINI Oscar countdown!  Show some love by visiting the website!  ~judy  www.justminiaturescale.com

 

Silent film star Colleen Moore had a lifelong obsession with dollhouses.
She commissioned the Fairy Castle, an 8 foot, whimsical, delight of a 1” scale dream.

The Grand Staircase. The Fairy Castle is filled with thousands of beautifully crafted miniatures.

The dining room is fashioned after King Arthur's round table. The dishes are gold and the glasses are crystal.

The Chapel. There is a tiny printed Bible from 1840 on the bench.

The Princess's Bedroom is outfitted in rich, elegant comfort.

The Garden Entry is picturesque with delicate landscaping.

Colleen Moore was one of the most popular actresses of her day; the star of the 1934’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ had the resources to enlist top talent to produce her miniature fantasy.