A Sneak Peek Into the Museum’s Collection Today

From one Facebook Marketplace buy to thousands of tiny treasures, the museum has come along way since that fateful day Mum and Lorraine drove to Bridgetown.

If you’ve been following our journey from the beginning, you’ll know the heart of My Doll Cottage is in its stories — but today, we’re giving you a glimpse at the dolls, furniture, and miniatures that fill the shelves.

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Whether you’re a doll lover, vintage enthusiast, or just curious about what’s behind the glass, here’s your first peek inside the museum as it stands today.

From One Collection to a Community

That Facebook Marketplace purchase was only the beginning. Since then, Mum has made a new friend in Kay, a fellow doll collector and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to identifying and researching dolls. Together, they’ve uncovered the stories behind many of the dolls now on display in the museum.

Dad still occasionally shakes his head and mutters, “Who’s idea was this again?” whenever the collection takes over yet another shelf or corner. But we all know he’s secretly proud.

The Museum Today

Today, My Doll Cottage is more than a private museum — it’s a legacy. A tribute to one woman’s love of dolls, family history, and beautiful things that were almost thrown out. We’re now cataloguing the full collection, sharing the stories behind each doll, and connecting with other collectors online.

Behind the doors of the glass cabinets, you’ll find an extraordinary variety of dolls, prams, accessories and miniatures. The museum showcases a broad range of styles, sizes, and eras — and it’s growing by the day.

What’s Inside the Collection?

Our 200 square metres of display space features carefully grouped displays, including:

Vintage andAntique Dolls:

• Pedigree, Palitoy, Uneeda, Mattel, and Hasbro classics
• Rare Effanbee, Ideal, and early Madame Alexander dolls
• 1960s and 70s favourites like Crissy, Chatty Cathy, and Giggles
• Limited edition and designer Barbie dolls, including fantasy, celestial, and designer releases
• A growing collection of Paola Reina, Annette Himstedt, Sasha, and Gotz dolls

Australian Icons:

• Netta, Metti and May Gibbs
• Locally made cloth dolls, souvenir dolls, and even a few mysterious finds from WA op shops with unknown origins

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Prams, Cots & Doll Furniture:

• Vintage cane bassinets and metal-framed doll prams
• Wooden cots from the 1950s and 60s
• Doll-sized rocking chairs, tables, and handmade wardrobes
• Hand-painted high chairs and miniature china cabinets

Miniatures and Accessories:

• Tiny tea sets and toy sewing machines
• Retro board games, tin toys, and boxed doll house furniture
• Paper dolls, vintage postcards, and character figurines

And then there are the unique one-offs — the dolls who’ve come to us with no name but plenty of history. Some were lovingly made by hand. Others came to us in need of care, now restored and proudly displayed.

Coming Soon: A Full Walkthrough on YouTube

We know photos don’t always do it justice — that’s why we’re currently filming a full walk-through of the museum so you can explore the collection from wherever you are.

We’ll share the YouTube link here once it’s live and post it on Youtube, but for now click here is a quick walk through on youtube.

If you’re not already following, make sure you do — so you don’t miss the behind-the-scenes stories, restoration videos, and new arrivals as we uncover them.

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Be Part of the Journey

If you’ve got a doll you’d love to know more about, a story to share, or you’d like to see your collection featured in a future blog, we’d love to hear from you.

Every doll has a story. And we’re here to make sure it’s remembered.

Visit us online at www.mydollcottage.com.au
Follow us on socials, and keep your eye out for our upcoming printable doll collection guides, postcards, and collector’s downloads available through Etsy.

With love
Shyloh

Tales from the youngest daughter of a doll collector — raised on Milo, Vegemite, and more antiques than a country op shop.

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