Hidden away behind metal grills, peeling paint and the dusty window display of a north London shop, resides Kristin Baybars and her magical toyshop. Only the very curious and inquisitive ever take the time to ring the doorbell and enter.
The shop, known as The Aladdins Cave to all who love it, is crammed full of thousands of miniatures and doll's house treasures as well as dolls, toys and games. It is the last of its kind and has only survived because of the dedicated network of friends who love the shop and Kristin's enthusiasm for every tiny thing inside, so much so, that a lot of items are not even for sale.
Kristin Baybars' story is a fascinating one. Brought up in an unconventional, artistic family, she has been a central figure within the toy-making community since the 1960s and has been a regular figure at doll's house fairs around the country for decades. She would buy what she liked, and didn't worry too much about whether it would sell or not.
She's now over 80 and in a fascinating video, entitled A Pathway of Crumbs, director Fred Burns and producer Chalotte Stokoe look at the endless appeal of this shop with a difference.
We've got a brief glimpse of the video in this trailer. If you want to order a copy or download the full programme to watch, then go to the Kensington Dollshouse Festival website.
