One of the facets of Miniatura that I have loved since I first went as a visitor is the inclusivity of the show. There really is something for everyone, including those of us strapped for cash. If you know where to look there are even free demos, help and advice. This show, on the Artforge stand, Simon is offering to clean your silverware for free. He’s hoping you will make a donation to Cancer Research; the tin for you to do so will be on the table. Take along up to 7 miniature Artforge pieces or (and how generous is this) up to 3 pieces of someone else’s miniature silver work. Cleaning has to be at Simon’s discretion because some things are not suitable; he will know which they are when he sees them. Pieces will be cleaned while you wait and watch; Simon will show you how to do it yourself and recommend products, so if you know you have miniature silver in your collection, ferret it out and take it with you.
Simon Walker is a qualified goldsmith who has been making miniatures for over ten years. He began by making a small model as an apprentice piece, which was seen by a collector who told him about the miniature world. Simon left for a time for a big world project but came back to miniatures three years ago, which is when he made his debut at Miniatura. He makes silverware from all eras, particularly Victorian and Art Deco.
He still loves making silver models, here is his 12th scale galleon –
how utterly splendid would that look on the sideboard of your dolls’ house? By the weekend after next (currently still in production) there will be a model plane and a car as well.
Recently Simon’s bronze animals have been so popular, they are now available in 24th scale. These bronze sculptures by a real goldsmith start at only £12, which is pretty much the definition of collectable I’d say. What do you think?
I may have to get one of these myself, though I am very torn because I have advance information about new new new at this show, brass bookends!
Oh wow what a great idea. I love the elephant walking through the books! Prices start around £4-50 for brass items and £10 for silver.
If you decide the bookends are just the thing for you I can even show you some books to put in them. Dateman Books have three new 12th scale books this show.
Coelvm Stellatvm Christianum is a 17th century atlas of the stars published in 1672 by Julius Schiller, in which he attempted to replace all the pagan constellations with Christian counterparts. As my husband is currently doing an OU foundation course in astronomy, I can tell you with great authority that it didn’t catch on. Pity, because the book is beautiful.
Dateman are also showing The 39 Steps which has just been freed from copyright and is appropriate for your miniature library from 1915 (its first publication date) onwards. There is also South Riding, which is currently being shown as a series on television. Anyone making room boxes inspired by the show may well wish to accessorize appropriately.
Doll enthusiast readers of this column may be very interested in a brand new venture: Through a Doll’s Eyes, which is larger books for larger dolls. There are 20 books in the series, measuring 5.3 inches they are suitable for dolls from 12 to 16 inches in height. All of my bigger dolls would love casting their little glass eyes over the children’s stories, fairy tales and popular classics.
When I talk of casting your little eyes over things, there are some stands at Miniatura you would do better not to visually caress in a leisurely manner. Well you could but I really recommend you do so after you buy the hot item, ideally before someone else snatches it from under your nose.
Writing Midweek Miniatura has brought with it a horrible responsibility. So many visitors are now reading and taking notes before the show, that I know when I show you this picture and tell you the stand numbers are now up on the Miniatura website, that I’m about to cause a traffic jam.
Annie Willis on Fine Design stand L2 has made Meerkats. We have met Annie in this column previously, she and her husband produce wonderful furry animals, feathery birds and wildlife of all kinds. The creatures are so good, when I asked Annie what she was doing a couple of weeks ago, she was busy completing a museum commission. Museums and collectors love Annie’s work because of the realism and detail; every last hair of the fur is individually applied, so that the little furry critturs can be stroked by the small crazed collectors. I have done it myself often with my Annie Willis cat and rabbit in the decade or so since I’ve owned them, longer, I think for the rabbit and they haven’t gone bald yet. Well I suppose you want to see the meerkats, do you? You can move their heads, tails and arms. The big one is spoken for, and no, it wasn’t me and yes I’ve asked Annie to make a lot because I know you want one.
I strongly suggest you join the queue or group at the entrance to the burrow quite early; while you’re waiting, keep popping your head up to watch exhibitors arriving. You can chat to others in the group, perhaps hold a mirror for anyone who left home too early to get ready, maybe comb their hair for them, or arrange their coat. Keep a look out at all times, so that as soon as the burrow door opens on to the concourse, you can get on your hind legs, run like the wind and pop up for a look at the Fine Design stand, safe in the knowledge that the rest of the tribe will, undoubtedly, follow.
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JaneLaverick.com – squeak Miniatura squeak squeak.