 |
|
|
|
Profile of David
and Joyce Betts of Grandads Playroom
|
|
Early in the 1990's David knew he
was about to be made redundant. Having worked for the same
company for 26 years, doing the same type of work since leaving
school, AND at the tender age of 52, he wondered what on earth
he could do......it happened to thousands of people, but when
it happens to you,....well, you know what I mean.
He decided to make a business out of a hobby, having been
a model maker most of his life.
He had just built a dolls house
for our first grandchild (Katy) and was disgusted with the
kit, so he set about making his own plans, and built a 'real'
doll house.
|
|
|
Friends and neighbours saw it and asked him
to make one for their child/grandchild.....A local dolls house shop
bought several to sell for children. The shop owner asked him if
he would make a 'proper' collectors house and as his name is Tudor,
could it be a Tudor house?.......so he built 'Inglenook Hall'
Redundancy arrived. We moved from Norfolk to Lincolnshire, and our
new life started.
We soon discovered that there was no authentic 1/12th scale Tudor
lighting available. So, David being David, did his research and
made his own. Later we were being asked for oil lamps, so our Oil
Lamp range was born.
We have decided that we would not go any further
than the late Victorian period as we felt this would be treading
on the toes of established light makers. David also wanted to explore
more of the Tudor period as it is his favoured era, and the tools
for the Medieval/Tudor cooking kitchen and house was a niche not
yet filled in the miniature world. The 'Olde Charm' Fire Irons range
was born.
David still makes doll houses, but only to commission.
His method of construction is time consuming as he is such a perfectionist,
everything must be right!! as those of you who know him will agree.
Consequently house building takes a lot of his time.
|
Much of the work we do
is inspired by our customers requests, if it fits with what
we already do, and there is a way of doing it then we add it
to our range.
I hope this potted history of Grandads Playroom satisfies the
'enquiring minds' among you. If not, ask, we are always very
willing to answer if we can.
Me? well I am just me!!...
You know the old saying "behind every successful man...."
well there's me gently manouvering him in the direction we all
want him to go..... |
|
|
|
|
m
|
|
