Miniatura

My journey into the world of miniatures started in early 2006. I was thinking about getting into model railways until one day I happened to be passing the local Dolls house shop and popped in and take a quick look. That visit combined with something that my grandmother always said – “everyone loves looking in other peoples windows” changed everything. I was hooked and, ironically, the model railway idea went out of the window.

My first project was a self build 8 room Georgian town house. When this was mostly finished I was compelled to add an attic AND basement. When I started talking about adding yet another 12 rooms, my best friend Rob he asked if he could help. One thing led to another and after a “few” more extensions we had ended up with a 103 room Georgian county house.  Sadly 3/4 of this house was destroyed by a flood from the flat upstairs and we were faced with the decision do we try to salvage or do we start again. We started again. I now have a 70ish room mansion (and, as you might imagine, plans for more as soon as I get more space). I built Rob a 35 room mansion which, because he wouldn’t tell me to stop building, I like to call the Revenge House. We offer viewings of both mansions to raise money for local charities (contact us directly for more details)

I have always been interested in, and inspired by, palaces, castles, stately homes and social history. This is reflected in what I produce in miniature. I am equally inspired by the amazing historical dollshouses that are out there and some of the wonderful craftspeople from all different disciplines.

I have only recently started selling at miniature fairs, I am touched by the appreciation that people have for my work and I love having a chat and a laugh with everyone who attends. I enjoy meeting people in general, from people who have been at the hobby for years and are willing to share some of the tips and tricks that they have learned to the newer generation of miniaturists who have become friends through the fairs. I have been selling miniatures for some time but it was only after being chosen as one of the contestants on the TV show The Great Big Tiny Challenge with Sandi Toksvig on channel 4 that I finally had the courage to take the next step and with Rob set up Thomas Murray Miniatures. It gives me a great sense of pride that people appreciate my work.

A normal working day for me involves 5 or 6 hours spent making miniatures in my cabin in the garden. I am a firm believer that, however good you are, you can always get better. When I am working on any particular piece time does not tend to come into it. I will spend however long on each piece that is required to get it right, from 15 or 20 minutes to 100’s of hours, it will take as long as it takes. I tend to work with the traditional miniature tools and materials I think that new technologies also have a place in the miniature world and I am not afraid to try them but i do see myself as more of a traditionalist. I like the fact that a simple piece of wood or fabric can be transformed into a piece of art. I tend to do a lot of research, if I am doing a piece if its furniture I will research and source woods and materials, if I am building a house or decorating a room I will research as much as I can from architectural styles or paint colours and styles. The one tool that I seem to have an issue with is a ruler and drawing straight lines (it rarely happens). I am not ashamed to admit this people have tried to teach me and failed, the most successful was 3 times in a row even I was impressed!

This brings to mind a funny story. Myself and my fellow contestants from the Tiny Design Challenge got together at a miniature show. When Julie (another contestant) was talking to a stall holder as I walked up to talk to Julie. The stallholder got very excited that “Thomas from the show” was at the table and excitedly announced this to Julie before they realised who she was. They turned to their friend at the table and asked “Did I just…?” to which the other person nodded. They then turned and said to me “Oh Thomas I’m so sorry I’ve just totally fangirled you – I’m so embarrassed” at this we all erupted laughing. 

At the same show Julie and myself were sitting outside having a little break and enjoying the sunshine when two lovely ladies came up and congratulated me on the show and how much they loved it and would I mind getting a photograph with them which Julie took. After a short conversation they were leaving and saying their goodbyes when Julie asked them if she was good on the show too? Those poor ladies were so embarrassed and apologised and responded “we thought he was your carer” at which we all laughed hysterically.

I have been asked what crafts people I admire? I have to be very vague with my answer on this as there are so many. I do love the work of the palace builders, they are stunning. I will also single out Emma Waddell of Dolls House Grand Designs and her mum Margaret of Irish Dolls House Grand Designs, they have a certain special magic that they seem to be able to transfer into their work. I would also say that the “have-a-go” miniaturists deserve to be admired, they pioneer so many  ideas and often take the hobby to new and interesting places.