Miniatura’s 75th show was a triumph in more ways than one. Firstly, it showed that a worldwide pandemic couldn’t stop the enthusiasm for creating miniatures and secondly, it put to rest the disappointment that we all felt when the Spring Show at the NEC was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. So, it was celebrations all round amongst the exhibitors, the organisers and of course our lovely visitors! Miniatura organisers still took precautions, the dreaded Covid bug is still around, there’s no getting away from that. But there were clear tables with hand sanitisers dotted around the hall, and the majority of people were still keeping social distancing in mind.
It was really nice that Bob and Muriel Hopwood were able to see the show live via the wonders of technology – well, Andy’s mobile phone video link. So fabulous to say hello to them. A little bird told me that the Hopwood’s way of celebrating after a show was with a glass of whisky and a marmalade sandwich. And to honour that tradition, Yum Yum Tree Fudge developed a deliciously tangy whisky and marmalade fudge which they launched at the show. They actually have 50 different flavours of fudge as well as fudges that cater for people with different allergies and food intolerances. So definitely something for everyone – especially if you like whisky and marmalade! I’m just hoping that Andy has sent a box full in the post to Bob and Muriel!
Lockdown Projects
As mentioned, the pandemic and lockdown didn’t stop miniaturists from working, and lots of exhibitors found that the lockdown period was a really busy time for them. More people were staying home and so having more time to spend on their dolls houses and collections. We saw some amazing ‘lockdown projects’ such as Jon Trenchard’s Alchemist Chemist, which he explained was an experiment in the different techniques of making stone look real. His techniques included air drying clay, egg boxes and foam for the arches. “It’s a celebration of different stone-works,” said Jon, who had his famous Hordle Castle on display. He had separated it into different rooms spread over a much larger display, which was brilliant for visitors to get a really good look at.
Belinda Armstrong had brought along her Georgian house again, showing just how much work she has been doing on it since the Autumn Show at Stoneleigh and inspiring others as to what you can do. Rooms were beautifully decorated, and she had even painted some more masterpieces.
Jane Harrop had also brought along her ‘lockdown project’ an amazing barn conversion – which has people queuing up to live in – me included! It’s currently featured in the April edition of Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine.
We had exhibitors from far afield including Angela Kinnunen who is originally from Wales but is currently living in Finland with her family. Known as Raptoor, her 1/48 miniatures were certainly not ‘run of the mill’ and for anyone who has a dungeon or a medieval cell to enhance she is the maker to see.
Coming all the way from South Africa was Tiny Treasurers from Around the World. Miniaturist Hester van Niekerk is inspired to make her dolls house miniatures from people, traditional items and different cultures from around the world. Hester was going to tour our waterways and visit Dublin before returning home to South Africa.
Kastlekelm Miniatures had some interesting news. Their daughter Sam an artist, who like dad, Mike, works in the film industry, had also branched out into miniatures and had produced her own range of beautiful pots and ornaments. Her brand is, Magic Minis by Sam.
Five Valley Bears make the cutest of poseable little bears, but their latest one is quite poignant to the current troubles in the Ukraine. They have made a Ukranian Bear and money from its sale will go to the Ukranian appeal. Meanwhile Pat Cutforth who runs the Cancer Research Stand took an amazing £6,950 over the weekend. Well done, Pat, and a huge thank you to everyone who helped in the raising of that money.
There were so many stories behind every single stand, which we will try and cover over the coming months. But for now, we’ll let Andy have the final word.
“It has been wonderful to see that people were so ready to jump right back into miniatures again The Magic of Miniatura was still there and as strong as ever. As an organiser I felt that everyone seemed just that little bit more appreciative of everyone else’s efforts.
“You can’t ignore the fact that we had two years without a show. When Covid started in the Spring of 2020 it was the first Miniatura Show we’ve ever had to cancel and that was a bitter pill to swallow. But the feedback we’ve received reinforces the fact that we have made a lot of good decisions to keep people safe and to support our exhibitors.
“In return I appreciate the support we’ve had from exhibitors and visitors over the last two years, it has made all the difference. And this year it felt fantastic to once again say – the doors are open!”
Photos by Rob Tysall – Pro Photography.