Miniatura

Ann Clark and Lorraine Welsh have been friends for 25 years and making miniatures for over 30 years. They build and embellish kits as a team and support the work of many miniature makers. One of their favourites being Petite Properties whose kits feature heavily in their display.

Ann was inspired by an exhibition including Princess Anne’s dolls house which took place in Cultra Folk museum outside Belfast over 30 years ago and needlework by Esther a DAME (Dolls House and Miniature Enthusiast) Lorraine by an exhibition at Rupert Steiner School Holywood. Their first makes were a carpet (Ann) and a footstool with an upholstery button (Lorraine). Since then their hobby took them via 1/12th scale projects and down to their now preferred 1/48th scale (with the odd 1/24th scale mini).

They don’t make miniatures for sale but rather for the sense of achievement, the pleasure of the process and the sense of community that comes with it, meeting weekly in their own homes and monthly at a local club. Their work is displayed annually for charity with other members of D.A.M.E. The group has raised over £50,000 for various small cross community charities in Northern Ireland.

Ann professes a particular love of miniature knitting and sewing but they have both developed many new skills over the years to construct kits and really enjoy the landscaping around buildings as much as making the houses themselves.

Miniatura are delighted that they will be bringing a display of their houses and beaded buildings to the Autumn Miniatura Show 2023 and we know that many of our visitors will be inspired to embark on their own lifelong journey to discover what talents they can apply to their own miniature world.