Although the family firm of Margarete Steiff GmbH in Giengen became world-renowned with the invention of the teddy bear in 1902, it can also be counted as one of the best and most important doll producers in the world, due to the variety and artistically very valuable collection of doll creations. From the very beginning of Steiff’s doll-making production around 1890 until recently, this toy producer has always managed to delight both old and young with spectacular innovations and new designs, e.g. the realistic character dolls or mechanical showpieces. 

Most of the exhibited felt dolls come from the Steiff showpiece entitled «Die Mühle im Grund» or «The mill in the Valley». It was made in 1926 by Albert Schlopsnies, a Munich doll designer and Steff adviser. This miniature display shows humourous characters at their daily work in a realistic village and farming community.