Norman D. Whiting
Paintings of landscapes and seascapes.
Although sadly Norman Whiting is no longer with us, his widow Eileen still loves to exhibit his miniature paintings at the Miniatura Shows, taking a great deal of pleasure in knowing that people are still enjoying and appreciating Norman’s beautiful paintings.
As a boy Norman went to art college and started work in the photographic trade. When he was made redundant in 1984, he started woodturning and he and Eileen would go to craft fairs all over England selling his work. Around 1989 he turned his hand to watercolour painting which also proved to be very successful.
“We only sold original paintings which our customers appreciated,” said Eileen. “It was by chance that we did miniatures. Norman used to produce small pictures and at one fair a customer said he should do miniatures for dolls houses. So, we visited a miniature show to find out what it was all about. We then carried on doing big pictures and dollhouse shows.
“Norman used to like painting from his imagination. He did take photos and if he got stuck for an idea would flip through them to get the juice buds flowing. But somehow, he always managed to produce something pretty amazing, I think.
“When we first started selling Norman’s pictures we used to buy the frames but then acquired our own equipment and produced our own frames. Norman became very proficient at cutting glass. I have always made the frames for our big pictures and framed them; and in time scaled down to making the miniature frames and framing miniatures, which I still do.”
At miniature shows the couple would sell scaled down prints of Norman’s original paintings. They also sold his original miniature paintings. These were very special and unique as no prints were made of them. Eileen still has a few originals left which she takes to Miniatura. But when she lost Norman in 2012 it took her a few years to decide what to do with them.
“It has been very rewarding taking them to Miniatura as people who got to know us over the years have bought them and for me it is nice to know they are going to a good home and will be well looked after.”
Norman always demonstrated at all craft fairs and did so at Miniatura. One year we invited people to come and have a go. It was lovely seeing children produce a picture, with Norman’s guidance, and go home smiling.”
Eileen and Norman were married for 60 years, have three sons, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a great, great grandchild due in December. “I am blessed,” says Eileen who will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year – and will be at the Autumn Miniatura at Stoneleigh.
Since Norman died I have done a few craft fairs with the stock I had left but as I am now getting on a bit I only do Miniatura with the help of my niece, Debbie – couldn’t do it without her!
“I get a great deal of pleasure and pride from attending Miniatura. It’s very rewarding meeting people who knew Norman and who obviously appreciate his unique talent.”
