Dorothy Kavanagh's Busy Doll Shop on Caunce Street

A shop with living accommodation on the corner of Bucanhan & Caunce Street came up for sale in 1962. Don & Dorothy Kavanagh bought it but it was in a dreadful state. Despite this, they moved in with their two young children Chris and Kathy, and set about renovating it from top to bottom. The shop opened as a general antique shop but it soon became clear that Dorothy loved antique dolls. She spent much of her time buying, selling and learning about dolls and their history. Don dealt more in other items of interest such as art, porcelain & jewellery. Whilst bringing up a young family, Don and Dorothy ran the shop, and over time it became quite busy.

Antique dealers often met up there for coffee, banter and business. Over the years the shop door bell rang throughout the day. As the children grew up they played on the streets that were considered safe at the time. Very little traffic. The shop opposite run by Cath and her husband sold groceries and was a great place to get essentials, such as bread and milk, but also to have a cheery chat and a laugh. Pat’s pram shop a few doors down was there for many years and several others along the block. Everyone knew each other and the front doors were very rarely locked, except at night. The doll shop became internationally recognised. Dorothy made all the clothes for the dolls in the Victorian style and was extremely talented. Her dolls’ outfits were sold worldwide. She often received mail from the USA, China, Germany, France, etc. Sometimes the letters were only addressed to: ‘the doll shop Blackpool’, yet somehow they would find their way to Dorothy.

Further down Caunce Street was Marjorie’s Dress agency. Dorothy knew Marjorie because she had once rented the same shop and passed the lease onto her. They became firm friends and worked together for many years, buying and selling dolls. Eventually, they would get an antique doll shop together in Camden Passage, London. The doll shop was a bit of a landmark in the area in the 1960’s 70’s & 80’s and always brightly lit at night, bringing life & joy to many a passer by. Although long gone, it will still be remembered fondly, by many Blackpool folk, as the Antique Doll shop.