The Playroom was located upstairs beside the Nursery. Children were encouraged to use educational toys and most of these were handmade. Activities in the Playroom were supervised by the Governess.
The Playroom of Number Twenty Nine displayed a device that was originally produced for a schoolroom and shows the types of material that was available in the early 19th century for teaching the basics, or ‘rudiments’, to young children. The ‘Rudiment Box’ originally consisted of two scrolls of educational images mounted back to back in a glass-fronted cabinet. The purpose of the device was simple. A handle would be turned each day by a teacher to reveal a new lesson for the children.
The Wilson Doll’s House and furnishings, early 19th century. Much of the furniture is of rosewood. (Presented to the National Museum of Ireland by Mrs. Wilson.)
Lady Mayo’s doll’s house and furnishings, circa 1820. The wallpapers are original. (Presented to the National Museum of Ireland by Lady Mayo about 1900.)
Produced by William Darton & Son, London (1775-1854). The Darton family belonged to the Society of Friends, or Quakers.
ALSO ON THE ATTIC FLOOR: