Authentic Models
At The Lovely Little Toy Shop, we are delighted to showcase the captivating world of Authentic Models, a Dutch brand celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, imaginative storytelling, and timeless sense of adventure. Founded in Amsterdam in 1968, Authentic Models has spent more than five decades creating furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories that beautifully merge history with modern design. Their collections bring together elegance, nostalgia, and artistry, from nautical instruments and aviation replicas to their much-loved range of handcrafted hot air balloons that have become iconic across the world.
Authentic Models is admired by collectors, interior designers, and families alike for its unique ability to evoke emotion through design. Each piece reflects an age of exploration and discovery, making it as meaningful as it is beautiful. Their creations now grace stylish homes, boutique hotels, galleries, and children’s nurseries across the globe, admired for their ability to bridge the gap between art, memory, and storytelling.
Our Range of Authentic Models
At The Lovely Little Toy Shop, we’re proud to be an official UK retailer of Authentic Models, bringing these imaginative treasures directly to your doorstep. Our carefully curated collection captures the brand’s adventurous spirit, allowing you to add a touch of wonder to any space. Whether you’re shopping for a unique gift, decorating a nursery, or adding a statement piece to your home, Authentic Models’ timeless designs offer something truly special, décor with meaning, made to last for generations.
Authentic Models Hot Air Balloons
Our range of Authentic Models hot air balloons is among the most enchanting in the brand’s entire catalogue. Each balloon is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and high-quality materials such as paper gores, hand-woven rattan baskets, and finely knotted netting. The result is a collection of exquisite, lightweight decorations that seem to float effortlessly in any interior.
These balloons represent more than décor, they symbolise the joy of exploration and the human desire to dream beyond the horizon. The smaller Floating the Skies series, available in colour-ways such as Check Red, True Yellow, Green Double, and Blue, is ideal for adding a touch of whimsy to children’s bedrooms or playrooms. Their delicate design makes them a wonderful choice for nurseries, where they can hang above a cot or play space, inspiring a sense of wonder from the very start of life.
For those looking for something grander, the larger Royal Aero Hot Air Balloons make a dramatic statement. Available in beautiful shades such as Mint, True Red, Ivory, and Light Blue, each Royal Aero model is a piece of art in its own right. The realistic rigging, woven baskets, and intricate netting showcase the care and craftsmanship that go into every creation. When grouped together, these balloons create a spectacular “floating cluster” effect, making them perfect for stairwells, conservatories, shop displays, or themed events like weddings and christenings.
Their colour palette makes them easy to style across different interiors. Soft pastels work beautifully in coastal and country homes, while bold checks and primary hues stand out in contemporary spaces. They also make thoughtful gifts for anyone fascinated by travel, aviation, or history — pieces that carry meaning and spark conversation wherever they are displayed.
Authentic Models’ hot air balloons have become beloved collector’s items, admired for their craftsmanship and nostalgic charm. Whether purchased individually or as a coordinated display, they bring a sense of movement and story to the spaces we live in — transforming simple rooms into scenes filled with imagination, heritage, and artistry.
About Authentic Models
Authentic Models is a world-renowned brand that has made storytelling an art form. Established in Amsterdam in 1968, the company began by producing unique decorative pieces inspired by historical exploration and craftsmanship. Over time, it grew into a prestigious global name, known for its exceptional designs that pay homage to the past while fitting seamlessly into modern living.
Each creation celebrates the spirit of discovery, from model airplanes and maritime instruments to campaign furniture and celestial globes. Authentic Models offers an array of items that appeal to history lovers, interior designers, and collectors alike. Their designs blend beauty and meaning, bringing together artistry, nostalgia, and authenticity in every piece.
What sets Authentic Models apart is its commitment to handmade excellence. Each item is crafted by skilled artisans who take pride in every detail, ensuring that no two pieces are ever identical. The brand’s mission is to enrich everyday interiors with a touch of history and emotion, proving that good design is not only about how something looks, but about the story it tells.
The History of Authentic Models
The story of Authentic Models begins in the late 1960s in Amsterdam, when its founders set out to create home décor that celebrated craftsmanship and heritage. Initially focused on producing select decorative objects, the company soon became recognised for its ability to transform historical designs into timeless treasures.
Throughout the decades, Authentic Models has remained devoted to the idea that true style is timeless. As interior trends have shifted from modern minimalism to vintage revival, the brand’s dedication to quality craftsmanship has never wavered. Its collections (from aviation replicas and vintage globes to its now-famous hot air balloons) pay homage to the world’s greatest periods of innovation and exploration.
Today, over 50 years later, Authentic Models continues to thrive as a brand that bridges the past and present. Its creations can be found in homes, offices, hotels, and galleries worldwide. The company’s longevity is a testament to its enduring design philosophy and is one that values artistry, heritage, and the enduring beauty of handcrafted work in a fast-paced, mass-produced world.
“Designs with a Story”
At the heart of everything Authentic Models creates is a philosophy known as “Designs with a Story.” This guiding principle reflects the idea that every piece of décor should carry meaning, not only through its appearance but through the story it represents. Whether it’s a model of a pioneering aircraft or a hanging balloon symbolising freedom and adventure, every design tells a tale that connects us to history and imagination.
Authentic Models understands that home décor is deeply personal. The objects we surround ourselves with reflect the lives we lead, the dreams we pursue, and the memories we hold dear. By combining historical inspiration with modern design, Authentic Models brings those narratives to life in tangible form.
In a world of disposable products and fleeting trends, Authentic Models takes a slower, more meaningful approach. Their handcrafted designs are made to be treasured, timeless pieces that age gracefully, carrying with them the touch of the artisan who created them. This commitment to quality and longevity makes every Authentic Models piece an heirloom in its own right, adding warmth and character to any home.
Each design invites the imagination to wander, encouraging us to celebrate curiosity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of adventure. It’s this fusion of artistry and storytelling that makes Authentic Models so beloved by customers and collectors around the world.
The Lovely Little Toy Shop began as a family dream, a desire to share the magic of childhood play and the joy of timeless toys with others. Founded by Sarah and inspired by her young son Henry, the idea took root during a family holiday in Yorkshire. It was there, after spotting a delightful pull-along toy named Percy Pup in a small local shop, that the spark for The Lovely Little Toy Shop was lit. Percy came home with them, and soon became the first of many cherished toys that would fill their home, each one bringing laughter, imagination, and beautiful memories.
That experience led to the creation of The Lovely Little Toy Shop, a place dedicated to sharing those same moments of joy with families everywhere. Sarah carefully curates every product, selecting toys and décor that are beautifully made, safe, and full of character. Many are items not found on the high street and offer customers with the opportunity to own unique treasures that celebrate quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Among these treasures are the exquisite Authentic Models hot air balloons, chosen for their artistry and timeless appeal. They represent everything The Lovely Little Toy Shop stands for: imagination, storytelling, and quality that lasts a lifetime. Each order is lovingly packed, often with the help of Henry himself, and sent with the same care and excitement as if it were a gift for their own family.
As a small, independent UK business, The Lovely Little Toy Shop prides itself on personal service, fast and careful delivery, and a genuine connection with its customers. Every purchase supports a real family with a passion for creating magical experiences through play and design.
Sarah often says that toys are more than objects, they are memories in motion, pieces of childhood that stay with us forever. Whether you’re buying for a little one or decorating your home with something extraordinary, The Lovely Little Toy Shop is here to help you find something that brings happiness, nostalgia, and imagination into your world.