In 1939, when Val’s father went back into the Army, the family’s possessions, including the prized dolls’ house and toys, were put into storage until the Ripleys found a new home.
When the family did settle again, the toys were put in the attic and not seen again for decades.
Val said: “We thought they were all gone. But after our mother died in 1977, my sister Pam and I discovered all our toys in their pre-war crates. It was so emotional, I can’t tell you.”
With a pristine collection of vintage toys, Val and her sister decided to expand their collection and share it with others. Together, they opened Ty Twt Dolls House and Toy Museum in Newport in Pembrokeshire.
That was 26 years ago, and Pam has since died, but Val still welcomes visitors and school groups to show them the toys of the past.
Val said: “I ask them if they have dolls’ houses, but all theirs are pink.”