The 101-year-old who created a dolls' house museum with her childhood toys

Val Ripley, now 101 years old, still delights in playing with her beloved dolls houses. The cherished toy was given to her by her parents on Christmas in 1932 when she was just eight years old; it held a special place in her heart throughout her childhood. Decades later, Val and her sister Pam rediscovered the prized dolls house in their parents' attic after their mother's passing in 1977.

Realizing the sentimental value of the toys, Val and Pam decided to transform the collection into a museum, opening the Ty Twt Dolls House and Toy Museum in Newport, Pembrokeshire, 26 years ago. Pam passed away since then, but Val continues to welcome visitors and school groups to showcase the nostalgic toys from the past.

The museum's collection is a fascinating document of social history, illustrating the evolution of living conditions and home appliances over the years. The oldest house in the collection dates back to 1840, displaying the typical home of a wealthy family during the early Victorian period. This era marked when dolls houses began to become children's toys, shifting from being expensive, detailed display pieces for wealthy adults to more affordable and accessible items thanks to the Industrial Revolution.

Val's favorite piece in the collection is a miniature school for little bears, complete with names she fondly remembers giving to the students: Reggie, Bruce, Yvonne, Carol, Gus, Penny, Miss Brewin, and Mr Edwards, the headmaster. Mr. Edwards even had a mock Latin school motto, "Ursus Nobiscum," which translates to "Bear with Us," a gift from Val's father. Despite her extensive collection, Val remains passionate about acquiring new pieces for the houses, never hesitating to purchase something she hasn't already.