Introducing Louise from Angelique Miniatures!

We chatted to Louise about how she went from dancing to doll making, her inspiring guardian angel and who really decides what the dolls will wear...

Tell us a bit of random stuff about yourself (not miniature related)...

I’m Louise Goldsborough (married name Bird) of Angelique Miniatures. I am an ex-professional theatre dancer and ex-dance teacher. I have been married to Julian for twenty years and we live in Sunbury-on-Thames, Middx with our elderly (and rather senile) cat, Friday.

As a couple, we enjoy social ballroom, sequence and latin dancing. Julian is also a keen lawn-green bowler and I like dressmaking.

Collector, creator or both?...

Both

What do you specialise in?...

I specialise in creating miniature dolls of all historical periods and also fantasy and fairy characters. I also design and create clothing for larger fashion-type dolls.

When did you first get interested in creating miniatures and why?...

My interest in miniatures started with my first dollshouse that my dad built for my third birthday (I still have it too!)

I had a career change back in 1988 and swapped my dance job for my doll hobby and set up Angelique Miniatures on 7th March 1988.

Where do you create your miniatures?...

Most of the doll making is done in my conservatory although the porcelain making part is done in my kitchen.

Where do you display your miniatures?

I have two dollshouses in my bedroom, one in the living room and another in the conservatory.

What inspires you?...

I am inspired by many things including music, theatre and even fabric.

When your mind is blank...who inspires you?...

If my mind is ever blank, I take a break and ask my guardian angel for help. Usually something will start to take shape within a very short amount of time.

Do you do commissions and if so what sort of things do you get requested to make?...

Yes, I enjoy commission work as it is often extremely interesting. Mostly it will be for particular characters from either history or literature and sometimes characters from film and theatre.

What's  your "other" job or is it miniatures all the way?...

I am a full time miniature doll artist.

If you hadn't started miniatures what would you have liked to have done instead?...

I have absolutely no idea, as I was very unhappy working in the entertainment profession as a dancer. I also sing so maybe I would have pursued that side.

What does your family think of  your obsession?...

My husband is very supportive and I always show him any new creations.

Do you plan each creation or do you run with your imagination?...

A creation will often start as a wisp of an idea in my head but will always develop and change as I start work on it. (Dolls have a habit of telling you how they want to be dressed so the finished character is sometimes quite different from the original idea!)

Do you do fairs?...

I have never had the time to work on enough stock for fairs as I have always been so busy with orders.

What is your ultimate goal?...

To be thought of as one of the best miniature doll artists in the world.

Describe yourself in 3 words...

Loves creating dolls!