Wow! Miniatura’s 99th show was a great success! On the Saturday record numbers of miniaturist fans streamed into the foyer of the Stoneleigh NAEC and queued ready for the Hall doors to open at 10am. As the queues lengthened, winding their way all through the foyer, and even down into the restaurant, so the excitement rose too.
Visitors were all in good spirits and had come from all around the UK and abroad. We spoke to a cheerful group of ladies that included Jan, Tanya and Keri. (See main photo). Between them, this band of merry miniaturist fans had travelled from Suffolk, Staffordshire, Grimsby and Torquay. And asked if there was anything they were particularly looking for, the answers came back as “flowers, paving stones – and whatever takes my fancy!”
Gayle from the South of France.
Coming from even further south than Torquay was Gayle who had travelled from her home in Béziers, South of France especially for the Miniatura Show for the second year running. Gayle actually collects 1:16 scale dolls, such as Cindy and Tri-ang. “It’s very specific,” she said, “but I love coming to Miniatura. Shows like this one are not so common in France. Our miniatures are still of the Edwardian and Victorian style, whereas Miniatura covers everything.”
The next people we spoke to were Andy Bolton and his partner Emma. We soon learnt that Andy’s dad was no other than Graham Bolton who was one of our newcomers – although he was at last year’s Autumn show exhibiting his room boxes. Andy said, “I don’t make or collect miniatures myself, but I do help my dad with little things, and we like to show our support. Plus, we find the show very interesting.”
Graham Bolton, son Andy and his partner Emma.
At 10am on the dot, the Hall doors were opened, and people streamed through eager to head to their favourite stand. With 110 exhibitors there was lots of choice and for the newcomers to Miniatura – all 16 of them, this must have been an exciting moment, as some had never exhibited their work to the public and were nervous about the reaction they were about to receive.
They need not have worried. As photographer Rob Tysall and I did our best to chat to all the newby’s to see how they were getting on, they all reported that they’d had very positive responses from the public. We learnt later that over the two days, 2,176 visitors came through the doors.
Crowds pack into the Stoneleigh hall.
The first newcomer we spoke to was Zee of Chik Sculptures. Miniaturist Zee hand-makes 1:12 and 3D printed art sculptures and dolls house miniatures which she sells on Etsy. Zee is originally from Hong Kong but came over to this country as a young teenager to study for an Interior Design and Architecture degree. Zee recalls that she was inspired to make miniatures from when she was very young and a relative gave her a pair of tiny ceramic clogs which she loved. After getting her degree she was very busy making scaled architect’s buildings and office buildings. As she improved on the dolls house miniatures side of things, and technology caught up, she turned her attentions to her own miniatures.
Canisters by Chik Sculptures.
Another newcomer was Kate Sharp Dolls. Kate from Coventry hand sculpts 1:12 scale character dolls. She has been a collector for about 25 years and at home she has a dolls house, two shops and a dolls house within a cabinet replicating Hogwarts. She says it all started when she was given a dolls house for her 30th birthday. As she has always been a person who makes things, she was very enthusiastic about making the furnishings for her house. And then after getting a copy of James Carrington’s book on making 1:12 scale character dolls from polymer clay, she began making them and was hooked.
“That started this off as a hobby,” said Kate. “I learnt all the techniques, making moulds, how to dress the dolls and wig them. It was all trial and error – my first attempt was a man who ended up with two left hands! But you get better. I’ve still got that figure – it reminds me of how far I’ve come. The costumes are all hand stitched, it’s quite labour intensive but it’s a labour of love.”
And how was her first experience of having a stand at Miniatura? Kate said, “I’ve never been on this side of the fence before – and I’m really enjoying it. I’m getting a lot of good feedback.”
Newby Kate Sharp Dolls.
Wyrd World Miniatures was our next port of call, where we met Anthea Barnes and her niece Karis. Anthea from Northampton said she’s loved dolls house miniatures ever since she was a child. It all started when her dad made her a dolls house bungalow and she made miniature animals and dragons.
Anthea Barnes and her niece Karis. Wyrd World Miniatures.
These days Anthea makes Tudor foods all based on actual Tudor recipes as well as spooky things such as owls, skeletons, cauldrons, abandoned furniture and seasonal food items. She loves researching Tudor times to make sure her miniatures are as authentic as possible. And wandering around National Trust houses is a favourite thing to do. She turned her hobby into a business about ten years ago but this was the first time she’d had a stall. Happily, she reported that it was all going well so far.
Watch out for more stories on our newcomers here on the Miniatura blog. But in the meantime, we’ll let Andy Hopwood have the final word. He said, “I am delighted to report that the show goes from strength to strength with numbers of exhibitors and visitors both increasing. More importantly the atmosphere continues to be fantastic and the huge amount of positive messages afterwards are proof that it’s a special place for us all to come together and celebrate our miniature world as a community. The 100th show is already taking shape and several exhibitors have something special planned.”
Photos by Rob Tysall Photography.
Makes me want to go!