Scottish Miniatura 2010 will be held at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on June 12th and there are going to be some ace collectables. How do I know? I have pictures! I also have access to the exhibitor list, now up on the Miniatura website, detailing some top class artists. There are sneak previews from a few here and more in the next two Midweek Miniaturas. More about them further down, first some news from the organisers.
Apparently some visitors have had difficulty in the past finding the very luxurious pavilion in which the event is held. Murrayfield is an international class sports venue and therefore has extensive grounds. The venue has informed the organisers that there is now a new intercom system on the gate, as always there is free on-site parking. Making your way to the building, you will find the entrance has been made more people friendly and will have an attendant receptionist, the show hall is upstairs. If you come at the opening, at 11 o clock, just follow the crowds, if you can only get there later in the day and get lost on the site ring the Miniatura number 0121 783 9922 and a Hopwood will direct you. Admission is by payment at the door: £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens, £1 for children.
If you haven’t been to a miniature art show before and the last dolls’ house you saw was years ago when you were a child, be prepared to be amazed. Some of the artists are of such a high standard they have qualifications. One such, Mags Cassidy of Mags-nificent miniatures has just been awarded status as an IGMA (International Guild of Miniature Artisans, an American organisation with schools and examinations) Artisan for her food. To be awarded she had to submit pieces for consideration; here they are:
Beef stuffed tomatoes, Fish pie, Salmon preparation board, Honey roast lamb and Cottage pie.
Please remember that they are one twelfth the size of the real thing and not edible (also not fattening and won’t go mouldy and absolutely not GM – unless it stands for Gorgeous, Mags!) If this has whet your appetite here are a couple of items Mags is taking specially for Scottish Miniatura.
Moules frites, and for non UK readers and Scottish collectors, a ceremonial Haggis!
Julie Campbell of Bellabelle dolls, whom you met at Spring Midweek Miniatura is also an IGMA artisan. Julie will not be going to Murrayfield by hers elf, she’ll have some dolls to boot!
For non miniaturists, one of the most delightful discoveries has to be that nearly everything that exists in reality is also available in miniature, including readable miniature books. Terry and Anne of Dateman books have produced two new books that will be available to buy at Murrayfield. The first is a dictionary with entries for every letter of the alphabet.
The second is a book about the art of the 1940s Pin Up. On its own it’s a highly collectable artefact, but if your dolls’ house is a 1940s or 50s house this is essential. The book contains coloured pictures of the girls whose photographs travelled the world in soldier’s kit bags or painted on aeroplanes and tanks.
That’s not a giant thumb, it’s a tiny book! The books are £7 each.
If you can’t go to Scottish Miniatura I’m so pleased to tell you that all these wonderful artists in miniature can be found on line.
and, of course www.miniatura.co.uk where you can find out who else is exhibiting at this absolutely cracking show of classy miniature collectables, where you will also find workshops and group exhibits, of which, more next Midweek Miniatura.
JaneLaverick.com – a column for the collector.