aim mag issue 28 november 2010

Regular Features… 5 Editor’s Note: Read Bea Broadwood’s

introduction & welcome to this month’s fabulous

edition of the FREE AIM magazine!

46 New On The Web: AIM This month we take a

look at Christiane Lourier’s new website.

52 Through The Keyhole: This month we take a peek

at the work space of AIM artisan: Ludwina

Akbulut Van Oosterwyck

56 Smaller Scales: This month Jean Day takes a

closer look at smaller scale miniatures.

64 Aunt Anastasia: If you have a miniature dilemma,

then why not write to our very own agony aunt

for her well considered advice?

74 Cross Over Crafts: Featuring AIM member

Jean Day.

77 *New* 10 Things You Never Knew About Me!:

Learn unusual facts about our talented members!

Featuring AIM founder Bea (Fiona) Broadwood.

84 Getting To Know You: Get to know more about

AIM member Elena Gerli.

98 In Season This Month: This month Vicky Guile

and her fellow AIM food artisans take a closer

look at mouth watering ‘fish’.

104 Show Report: AIM members share their show

reports from around the world.

108 The Miniature Grapevine: Catch up on all the

latest news and announcements from the

international world of miniatures.

Contents… November 2010: Issue No 28 Cover Image: Troy Schmidt

14

38

72

6 Cover Story: Troy Schmidt: AIM member and artisan ceramist

Troy Schmidt tells us more about his life, work and miniature

creations from Red Dragon Pottery.

14 Haddon Hall: Carol Smith shares her recent visit to this

atmospheric medieval hall. Historical introduction by Bea

(Fiona) Broadwood.

26 Making Wee Round Things: AIM member Thomas Saunders

tells of his transition from turning full size objects d’arte into

the world of miniatures.

28 Brothels Of The Victorian Era: By AIM member and noted

doll artisan Viola Williams

32 A Potted History Of Lavendar: Sara Scales takes a closer look

at this aromatic and highly versatile plant.

38 The Giddy Kipper: We celebrate the stunning work of AIM member

and talented doll artisan Jain Squires.

40 Gypsy Caravan: AIM member Ana Anselmo and guest contributor

Paulo Gomes share their shared passion for this nostalgic ‘home on

wheels’.

48 Tailor‐made Tudor: New member Kevin Jackson introduces his range of

1:12th dolls houses.

66 Ironbridge Gorge: Guest contributor Karen Holt very kindly tells us all

about her recent visit to Ironbridge Gorge.

78 Weaving For Miniatures: AIM member Lili Goczal shares with us

her method of weaving in miniature.

92 A Garden In A Box: AIM member and IGMA Fellow Philippa Todd literally ‘lifts the lid’ on her very unusual miniature gardens.

Free Projects… 24 1:12th ‐ Chenille Rag Rug Weaving: AIM member Jean Day shares

her stunningly realistic weaving tutorial.

37 Lavendar Cushion: Miniature Cross Stitch Pattern ‐

Sara Scales brings us a stunning new cross stitch

design.

62 Micro Lamps : We know you will just love Jean Day’s

inspirational micro scale project.

72 Coiled Basketry: Jean Day teaches how to create a

traditional coiled basket.

90 1:12th ‐ Tassels: AIM member Kathi Mendenhall shares

yet another of her fabulous tutorials.

Features…

Artisans In Miniature 3

98

92

28

24

Artisans In Miniature ?


CLICK…on Artisans In Miniature

How did you find the Online Magazine??

Did you follow a link? Did a miniature friend tell you about it?

...and do you already know about the Artisans In Miniature Website, and the talented members who have all helped create this Online magazine.?

If not, copy, paste and CLICK now – www.artisansinminiatures.com and come and meet us all. Founded in 2007 by Bea (Fiona) Broadwood of Petite Properties, the website has been created in order to showcase the fantastic work of the individual professional international artisan members who create beautiful and original scale miniatures for sale to the public. Together they form the Artisans In Miniature association. Since its launch the AIM association has rapidly grown and now boasts membership of well over 200 professional artisans, including some of the most talented within the miniature world! On the website you will find further information about them and their work; however, please note new pages are constantly being added and there are many members who are not yet included on the site... If you are a professional artisan who is interested in joining the association, you will find all the information there..... If you are wondering what Fairs may be on in your area – that information is there too… We have lots of links…to Fairs and Events Organizers…Magazines…Online Miniature clubs….Historical reference sites…..Workshops…and more… it’s all there!

If you’d like to contact us, copy, paste and CLICK... we’d love to hear from you!

www.artisansinminiature.com

The AIM Magazine’s

Editorial Team:

Bea Broadwood (Editor) office@petite‐properties.com

Celia (of Oberons Wood) [email protected]

Helen Woods [email protected]

Janine Crocker [email protected]

Jean Day [email protected]

John Day [email protected]

Mary Williams [email protected]

Peiwen Petitgrand [email protected]

Sally Watson [email protected]

Vicky Guile (Assistant Editor) [email protected]

Please note AIM is an active association

to which all members contribute …

Formatted By Bea Broadwood, Janine Crocker,

Jean Day, John Day, Peiwen Petitgrand,

Sally Watson & Vicky Guile

Dear Reader Welcome to the November edition of the AIM magazine! Getting this month’s issue ready for publication has been a real up hill battle and the editorial team have had their roles within the production of the AIM magazine made even more challenging at the hands of (so called) ‘modern technology’. It is certainly true that technology is a wonderful thing… but this is also only true when the technology in question actually works and in our increasingly virtual world, when it breaks down; it can come as quite a chaotic shock to the system. Happily the theme of this very special edition of the AIM magazine has an altogether slower pace, one which looks back in time at the old world, its ancient crafts and a time when life was certainly simpler. A time when craftsmen were valued for their skills, and when the world as a whole ebbed and flowed gently from season to season. To celebrate these historical old trades and skills we have yet again looked to the ‘miniature world’, a world which still collectively champions the ‘old ways’ and the hand crafted expertise which was so abundant back in times gone by. As a result this issue has been packed with miniature potters to wood turners, from weavers to basket makers; in short this month’s issue has it all and it is all showcased in miniature of course!!! So if like us, your nerves have been frazzled by modern technology, why not join us as AIM members revisit a quieter time, a time where technology and dodgy internet connections simply could never spoil the day!

Bea

Editor (& General whip cracker) November 2010 www.petite‐properties.com

On behalf of AIM, it members and readers of this magazine, I would welcome Peiwen Petitgrand and Sally Watson to the AIM magazine’s editorial team. We are all delighted to have them on board; as together they bring an exciting range of new talents and skills to the editorial team.


Haddon Hall,Derbyshire.

By AIM member Carol Smith (Foreword by AIM member Bea (Fiona) Broadwood)


l “The twilight deepened, the ragged battlements and the

low, broad oriels glanced duskily from the foliage, the rooks wheeled and clamoured in

the glowing sky; and if there had been a ghost on the premises I certainly ought to have seen it. In fact I did see it, as we see

ghosts nowadays. I felt the incommunicable spirit of the scene with the last, the right

intensity. The old life, the old manners, the old figures

seemed present again.” Henry James,

1872

addon Hall is situated on a limestone bluff overlook‐

ing the River Wye, three miles due west of Bakewell

in Derbyshire and it is claimed to be ‘the most romantic and

complete medieval manor house in England’.

From the 12th century Haddon Hall was owned by the Vernon

family. The most famous of the family was Sir George

Vernon who was notoriously know as the ‘King of the Peak’

as a result of being a most generous and hospitable host.

Following Sir George’s death in 1567 Haddon Hall and its

estate was inherited by his daughter Dorothy and her

husband Sir John Manners.

To this day the hall’s unique blend of 14th, 15th and 16th

century architecture has been uniquely preserved, due to its

uninterrupted private ownership by the Manners family.

In 1703 the family were awarded the Dukedom of Rutland

and subsequently moved to Belvoir Castle, Nottinghamshire;

leaving Haddon Hall untouched for some 200 years.

However from the 18th century, this neglect caused the hall

to begin to deteriorate and this historic fortified house

would have to wait until the early 20th Century to be re‐

stored to its former glory; the condition it can be found in

today.

Architecture lovers will no doubt enjoy the hall’s many

battlements and towers, built exclusively of local stone and

oak the oldest parts of the building date from as early as the

13th century. However, as with any ancient house, there

have inevitably been some architectural changes made

during the passing of the centuries, yet this great medieval

manor house has managed to retain its original simple lines

and classic fortifications.

The most modern room in Haddon Hall is the 110ft oak and

walnut panelled long gallery, which dates from the 16th cen‐

tury and was used by the Manners family to exercise in dur‐

ing inclement weather. The house also boasts a splendid

medieval kitchen and banqueting hall.

Haddon Hall is without question a veritable jewel in

Derbyshire’s architectural crown and truly inspiring ancient

house that is well worth a visit.

If you would like to find out more about Haddon Hall, or

even plan your own visit simply go to:

www.haddonhall.co.uk

H

A Visitor’s Account...

I visited the wonderful Haddon Hall recently which is about two miles from the

Derbyshire town of Bakewell. My first impression on approach was that it looked

more like a castle with its turrets and battlements than a fortified manor house.

How lucky are Lord and Lady Manners to live in such a grand home and to be

surrounded with beautiful scenery. The medieval and Tudor architecture is very

impressive indeed.

My imagination ran riot as I thought about what life must have been like in 1150

(which was when it was thought to have been built). The first mention of it was in

a settlement of 1180. I visited Haddon Hall midweek and there were few visitors.

I was often on my own in a huge room and certainly would not dare walk round

on my own at night!

AIM Member Carol Smith shares her recent visit

to Haddon Hall...

The Long Gallery is 110 feet long and 17 feet wide. It would have been used as an indoor promenade for

They then would have to face the elements outside or get their clothing wet.

I was surprised to hear that the Banqueting Hall would, in the 14th century, have been a communal livin

that family and servants would have eaten and slept there. I always imagined that servants were kept aw


r family and guests to take exercise by walking.

ng space for both family and servants. I didn’t know

way from family.

I was hugely interested in the Tudor kitchen. The heat

from the fireplaces and ovens must have made it

incredibly hot so food was not stored in there.

The kitchen was built in the 14th century and has a set of

rooms which were originally set apart from the other

buildings to minimise the risk of fire spreading.

The ‘dole’ cupboards interested me. These are of a Gothic

style and were put outside for passing traders or estate

workers and were filled with food and leftovers. I believe

that these are now rare as they had been outside in the

elements. Our present day expression of ‘on the dole’

stems from the purpose of the ‘dole’ cupboard.

The domed bread ovens were interesting as were the

corn bins.

As for the butchery, food was dried salted and pickled.

The salting trough is 15th century and is actually a

hollowed out oak trunk. They would probably have had a

servant (the powderer) to crush the salt. Because food

had to be preserved with salt, the saltiness was disguised

with creamy sauces and other means such as spices and

fruit.

Animal carcasses were hung from the 17th century oak

hanging racks.

It is on record that in the 17th century 30‐40 ‘beeves’ ,

between 400‐500 sheep and 8‐10 swine were eaten in a

year. Interesting that so little pork was eaten. I took a

great many photographs and regret that I did not take

more of the kitchen.

I visited Haddon Hall restaurant twice after my first visit

to the Hall. The restaurant has a pulley on the ceiling

leading from a box. The pulley goes across to doors in the

corner which lead to a tunnel to send food to the hall.

Carol Smith


‘Historical foreword’ Text By Bea Broadwood

©Petite Properties Ltd 2010

www.petite‐properties.com

‘A Visitor’s Account’ Text & Photographs

By Carol Smith ©Carol Smith 2010

starsgemini3.etsy.com

Formatted by Bea Broadwood


Blanche & The Girls…. By Julie Campbell


Brothels of the Victorian Era vs. A miniaturist's version of that profession…

By AIM Member Viola Williams

Prostitution during the eighteen and nineteenth centuries offered

a gentlemen more than one option when searching for the services

of women to satisfy his sexual needs. The man might choose

Anything from randomly selecting a female off the street, to

making his choice in a more prestigious house of ill repute .

Miniaturists, when presenting the life of a prostitute and her

customers, might choose either style, however, most prefer to

depict a more glamorous version. Doll makers don't always

feel required to adhere to the facts, often preferring to pull

the "making of a soiled dove" from their imaginations rather

than from factual information. In most cases they invent

stories about the doll's past by again activating their

inventive minds. Those stories do not necessarily reflect

the true life of a Victorian prostitute.

Although reality is altered to soften the impact of a prostitute's real life style, the doll maker must,

nevertheless, make it clear that the doll is in fact a prostitute.This can be achieved by the style of her

clothing, the expression on her face, and sometimes even by the amount of jewelry she possesses (gifts from

satisfied customers). The doll's creator can also develop an easily recognized illusion by the pose the doll is

given. She will not be a sweet, eyes down‐cast kind of sculpture. Instead the viewer will most likely see a

slightly haughty expression on the doll. It is the doll's role to make it clear (without the use of words) that the

display is a bordello and that she is there as a lady of the night.

The madames of ages‐ gone‐by also created "soiled doves", but by means quite different from that of the

sculptor of dolls.

I read about a “Mother Wisebourn” a clergyman’s daughter, who regularly visited the taverns in search of

young girls who might be willing, or in desperate need of an income, to work as prostitutes for her. She

would feed them and provide them with beautiful clothes and then train them for their newly secured

profession. In this particular bordello, the girls were kept busy during the week but always, on Sunday, they

were taken to church where they were more intent on advertising themselves to potential clients than in

purifying their souls.

Doll By Viola Williams

The Victorian madame made certain that her girls neglected no opportunity to advertise themselves. The

young women were taught that when walking down stairs, for example, to be certain to lift their skirts high

enough to show off their attractive ankles and often a portion of their lower leg as well in order to entice

the gentlemen who might be walking or driving by. This frequently resulted in the young man’s requesting

more information about the woman he’d just seen.

While some prostitutes of that era may have entered their vocation by choice… many others were there

against their wishes and had no way to leave. Any attempts to do so were met with thrashings and

beatings. One of the reasons for forced prostitution was that the demand for those services exceeded the

number of willing applicants. Eventually the abused young woman and girls simply accepted their fate.

As the centuries passed, miniaturists wished to depict that

part of our history by creating bordellos complete with

customers and soiled doves. Not surprisingly the creators

of those displays altered the facts to make the atmosphere

more acceptable. Their bordello was presented as a home

of pleasure where all in attendance participated with

joy.

And that is the kind of bordello that this article

will attempt to present. Imagine a Victorian

gentleman relieving his spouse of her wifely

duties by choosing to visit an elegant bordello

instead. The madame might be a motherly

older woman who meets the needs of her

charges with genuine affection. Perhaps a

particular young lady has found that she has

become the favorite of one of the “regulars”

and is chosen exclusively by this wealthy

patron. This situation may be true for

more than one of the seductive young

ladies that resides in the miniature

bordello. Often the

women are presented

with expensive gifts in

return for their

favors. These gifts can

be displayed on, or around the

young recipient.

Perhaps some of the girls are new to the house of ill repute, and

still without a regular gentleman. They can be shown sitting on

plush furniture with ankles brazingly exposed beneath their

skirts in hopes of attracting a new client.

Doll By Viola Williams

Maybe they flirt from behind their fans... or they can even be seen sitting on a potential customer's

lap, or having a drink and laughing with a young man who is in attendance. There are any number

of ways that a dollhouse‐sized lady of the night can be exhibited with just a bit of saucy

insinuation.

The madame chosen is most likely plump with a pleasant face, and the soiled doves

dressed in seductive and brightly colored clothing. But it is implied that while each may

be a temptress, she is also a kind and loving soul, happy at her job.

And what of the carpenters who build these displays? They put their talents to

work making sure that the girls in our pint sized bordellos enjoy luxurious and

comfortable living quarters. He may even have been told the story of a young

waife who was taken from the streets to live under the roof of a generous and

wealthy madame. Possibly the builder choses to provide a better environment

for these little ladies.He wants to be sure her new life is a definite improvement

over her former existence.

In every case, I believe that the miniature story tells a tale of young women who

do not regret the choice they made, girls who serve their madame faithfully and

well. The miniaturist's version does not allow beatings or other negative factors

into the scene.

Is that the way it really was? Were those women happy at their work? Was it their choice? Did they stay

on because they found the environment pleasant? Perhaps in some cases. But more often they simply

become accustomed to their situation, saving what money they could, in the hopes of one day either

leaving all together, or perhaps promoting themselves to “madame” status by opening their own bordello.

Clearly, the miniaturist's version is not a completely accurate representation of that part of our history, but

it is certainly more romantic than a realistic version might be. For that reason bordellos in miniature scale

are not offensive, or sad, or shameful. They are, instead, ornate, exciting and thrilling. Miniature

carpenters build luxurious structures with gilding and velvet and every kind of luxury imaginable. Each one

filled with exotic furniture and lovely young ladies.

And why not? We are “miniaturists” after all… where everything is an illusion. Why shouldn’t the bordello

be adjusted from the realistic to the glamorous in a way that only the imagination of a miniaturist could

achieve?

(OOAK) Blanche & The Girls ‐ By IGMA Artisan Julie Campbell of Bella Belle Dolls

www.bellabelledolls.co.uk Marsha Mees ‐ Sassy Mini Dolls ‐ www.sassyminidolls.com

Viola Williams - www.violasdolls.com Photographs © Of the individual artisan accredited

Text © Viola Williams 2010 Formatted By Bea Broadwood

Doll By Marsha Mees

Viola

By AIM Memb

I have been working professionally in the miniature industry for about

making around that. I have had an interest in miniatures forever really

being very young. My interest was re‐awakened when I put a dolls hous

in it, and that was that, hooked again!! Then I discovered the huge w

Pudsey Fair. I was absolutely enthralled by what I saw, despite having a

Over the years I made many things to go in my dollshouses and then

characters I imagined taking tea there were not available to buy at the

be animal ones and I realized I loved doing them. I made more and mo

human forms as well. Mostly fantasy characters, witches, wizards, and goblins; which are very popular.

My inspiration comes from all sorts of places, illustrations, films, books, sometimes from colour groups or natura

work. I don't think I have any extra special techniques for the things I do, but I have learnt to adapt things to suit m

hands of course!

One of my favourite characters still is Vivienne the giraffe, who is dressed in a copy of a Vivienne Westwood outf

learnt how to get out there into the miniature world. Whether at fairs or on the internet. Having been completel

most regular updater, has made me many friends and customers. I have realized I don't work well with commission

Working with the clay and going with what comes out of it, makes me more creative and I think, and produces mu

be slightly different next year as I am starting a business in Keepsake silver jewellery to run alongside my doll bus

attend. I intend to continue improving my work and am eager to learn new ways and techniques for things. I trade

To contact Jain Squires about new char

or check out her website www.giddykipperdolls.c

The Gidd

Text & Photographs ©Formatted by Be

ber Jain Squires

4 years. I work part‐time as a nurse, at present, so I have fitted my doll

y, playing dolls houses and making clothes for my miniature babies since

se kit together for my then 3 year old daughter. I started making bits to go

world of miniatures. I was so excited to visit my first fair, Doreen Jeffries

very cranky 3 year old with me!

n I got a Vic Newey building and wanted to do a fantasy tearoom. The

time, so I set about making some. The characters that emerged tended to

re and needed to have an outlet to sell them, so I started doing fairs. I still make animal characters, but now do

al things. I strive to make my characters as real as possible and am constantly looking for ways to improve my

me as I go along. I use various tools, often things I have adapted, nothing I could not live without, other than my

fit. She was one of my first and I will always have a soft spot for her. Over the years I have been selling I have

ly computer illiterate, I have learned how to build my own website and run a blog, which, although I am not the

ns, as I find it stressful to live up to the expectations in someone else's head. So I don't accept them.

ch better work in the end. The fairs I attend at present are Pudsey, York, Kensington and Miniatura. Things will

siness, so it will be goodbye to nursing after 30 years. I will have to assess things as I go along, as to the fairs I

e under the name of The Giddy Kipper.

racters email; [email protected]

com or blog www.giddykippercharacters.blogspot.com

dy Kipper

© Jain Squires 2010 ea Broadwood


Featuring AIM Member Kevin Jackson

Tailor-made Tudor ...

Kevin Jackson first became interested in miniatures about 15 years ago while he

was involved with building full size show houses for the Daily Mail at the Ideal

Home Exhibition in Earls Court; the NEC and the SECC; and for the BBC Good

Home Show, also at the NEC. Even though his job of building these show

houses involved extremely tight schedules (start to finish building fully

decorated and furnished houses in 5 days) he still found that he had quite a lot of time on his

hands in between shows.

Around that time he visited a miniature show with a friend and immediately understood why peo‐

ple were so fascinated by the hobby. He decided that it would be an ideal pursuit to take up in his

spare time.

Purely by chance he decided to try his hand at building Tudor style houses and selling them at very

small local miniature shows. Following on from this success Kevin decided to contact numerous

shops in America to see if they were interested in his houses and, to his surprise, the response re‐

ceived was fantastic.

Tudor Houses By Kevin Jackson

About 18 months ago, following a break

retirement and, after a few weeks of sitt

realised that he needed something n

he started building dolls houses again

Kevin chose to focus his talents on cr

floor boards, wall beams, ceiling

timber, for which he uses a rang

internally finished access panels

house is built by hand to th

Commissions are an i

building individu

always mo

budget and size

to the cust

sizes and positio

colours; externa

Kevin is current

ever built, which

when it is

The “York”

staircase t

Kevin direc

Very excite

shows with

In the meantime h

full sized houses f most well known build houses in 5 daylonger to build but I am

Text & Photographs © Kevin Jackson 2010

Edited & Formatted By Bea (Fiona) Broadwoo

k from building dolls houses, Kevin decided to take early

ing around the house and getting under his wife’s feet, he

ew to fill his spare time. Deciding to resurrect his old hobby,

n, this time selling them online.

reating high quality houses at affordable prices and all of his

g beams and decorative details are made using 100% solid

ge of Richard Burbidge mouldings. Kevin’s houses feature

s, include hand made window furniture, and each unique

he highest possible standard.

integral part of Kevin’s work and he particularly enjoys

ual houses to a customer’s specific requirements. He is

ore than happy to discuss plans and to work to a specified

. The external finishes of Kevin’s houses can also be tailored

tomer’s own taste, including choices in window and door

ons; positioning and number of wall lights; stains and paint

al weathering and various paving or roof tile options.

ly working on what is probably the biggest house that he has

h he is planning to call the “York”, although this may change

finished.

” is built on a brick plinth and will have a three floor projecting bay. Internally it will feature a full height

ogether with a total of twelve lift‐ off access panels. (Further details about this house are available from

ct.)

ed about the future, Kevin is hoping to exhibit at some of the major dolls house

hin the UK, including the ‘Christmas’ Kensington Dolls House Show in December.

The Canterbury

Kevin Jackson

he says, “It just seems so ironic to me that after 20 years of building for some of the biggest names in construction, and for some of the designers, under the pressure of controlling upwards of 200 people to ys, I am now building miniature houses, on my own, which take far m loving every minute.”

Kevin’s new website, www.kjdollshouses.co.uk is

now up and running, so why not visit it today? od

AIM membership is only available for professional miniature artisans, selling quality handmade miniatures to the public.

Membership is reserved for artisans who wish to showcase & promote their work,

through active participation within the AIM Association. Please note; A waiting list has now been introduced regarding

new membership applications.

AIM is completely FREE to join and completely FREE to be part of.

So… if you are a professional miniature artisan and you would like to find out more about joining the

AIM Association, please email AIM’s Membership Secretary: Tony for more information:

[email protected]

Or alternatively visit our website… www..artisansinminiature.com

Artisans In Miniature“An association of professional artisans, dedicated to promoting a high standard

of excellence in original handcrafted scale miniatures…”

www.artisansinminiature.com artisansinminiature.blogspot.com

The way in which AIM Association membership

is offered has changed!

Due to an overwhelming uptake of membership over recent months, as

from July 31st the AIM Association now has limited memberships available…

The AIM Association was set up in 2007 in order to provide a global platform for professional

miniature artisans who wish to actively promote their work and actively take part and support the opportunities and promotional facilities which AIM

uniquely offers for free: notably including... The AIM online forum

Monthly FREE AIM magazine AIM Member's online directory

AIM website Aim’s facebook & social networking pages

The AIM blog.

The beauty of Ironbridge Gorge today belies its

momentous past when 300 years ago huge iron

furnaces, steam hammers, noisy foundries and

the forerunners of railways began what we now

call the Industrial Revolution.

One of only 28 UK World Heritage sites, Ironbridge

Gorge is the only one in the West Midlands. I was recently fortunate to visit the area with my husband

for a few days and wanted to share my experiences. The museums have an opportunity to buy a

combined entry ticket to all the attractions known as an adult passport which gives you repeat day time

access to all 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums so you can return as often as you like for one year and

represented good value.

This site is home to 10 fascinating museums set in four square miles along the banks of the River Severn.

Each museum reflects the history of Ironbridge, its people, their lifestyles and their work from the early

1700s through to Victorian times.

Our first stop was The Coalbrookdale Trail. Here

the Museum of Iron shows the importance of the

early iron industry and also houses fabulous

collections of castings, including statues, tables,

plaques, fire surrounds and other works of art. It is

worth looking at the windows, lintels, frames and

sills that are all made from iron, that I see

reproduced in many miniature projects.

Nearby is Abraham Darby’s original Old Furnace,

the heart of the gorge and the place where it all

began 300 years ago. Abraham Darby was the

grandfather of the builder of the famous Ironbridge

Whilst in this area definitely worth a visit are the

Darby Houses. Two Georgian style houses, Rosehill House that was built in the 1720’s and lived in by

various members of the Darby family and Dale House built by Abraham Darby but not completed until

after his death in 1717. This house was traditionally occupied by Company Managers.

Rosehill House has been restored to show it as it was around 1850 and displays many items that were

owed by the Darby family. The Darby family were Quakers and compared with a typical mid Victorian

house Rosehill is very simply furnished.

Cast iron range: example from Museum of Iron

Gorge Ironbridge


Dale House went through

many changes and the

character of the house was

almost destroyed when it was

converted into flats. The

Dining Room has been

restored to its original room

plan but not fully restored

which allows you to see

aspects of the room structure

which would normally be

hidden by floorboards.

A short walk up the hill from

the Darby houses and you

come cross the Quaker burial

ground. Abraham Darby II left

provision for piece of land

"enclosed by a brick

wall.....for a burial place for

such Friends who shall choose

to be buried there....."


and was the first to be interred here in 1763 and the last Darby to be interred was Rebecca Sorton Darby

who died in 1908. The last burial took place in 1982 and today the burial ground remains as a quiet

testimony to the Quaker families who. for several generations remained active in the nearby works and

community. Very simple memorial stones now line the walls

Also in this area is Enginuity, the National Design and Technology Education centre. See how good ideas

can generate great products. Certainly one for families and children of all ages.

Top Right: Dining Room in Dale House

Middle Right: Cast iron range from the kitchen

The Iron Bridge is the world first

major cast iron bridge. Built in

1779 by Abraham Darby III

across the River Severn, it is still

the focal point across the gorge.

Walk across the bridge to

discover the tollhouse. Unfortu‐

nately the Tollhouse is only open at weekends so we didn’t get to see inside.

The following day started with our visit to Blists Hill Victorian Town, the main attraction of all the

museums. Some aspects of the town are original to the site such as the Blast furnaces and the brick and

tile works. Other buildings have been relocated brick by brick from the area or have been newly built

using detailed research and carefully sourced materials. Working factories, shops and cottages that are

set in 50 acres where life is lived and demonstrated as it was in Victorian times. It has recently gone

through massive redevelopment and now has a wonderful parade of shops including a Drapers and

Outfitters, Post Office, Photographers, Sweetshop and Fried Fish Dealers. The artisan’s corner includes

plumbers, tinsmiths and decorative plasterers. There is a new visitor Centre and also a narrow gauge

mine railway.

Our first stop on entering the town was the Bank to exchange our modern money for Victorian token

coins to spend in the shops. Visits to numerous shops encountered people working and more than happy

to chat about their life in Victorian times and about the items and layouts which can fire the imagination

of miniaturists.

I especially enjoyed the candle factory and the

explanation about how they were made and

long hours worked. Simple yet very effective

equipment. The squatter’s cottage was

something else I enjoyed mainly due to the fact

that I could see it made in miniature! In the

tiny bedroom of the squatters cottage (that

used to sleep 9) there was a high stone shelf

built in and I am told this is where some of the

children slept especially the girls as they got

older before they married – is this where the

expression ‘left on the shelf’ came from I

wonder.

& Tollhouse The Ironbridge

The Squatter’s Cottage...

Cast Iron Stove/fire in Squatter’s Cottage...


There is plenty to see and learn whilst

wandering through this village and the mine

railway and experience certainly gives you

an insight into the working conditions of

men and children.

The following day found us visiting the

Coalport area which included Coalport

China Museum, Tar Tunnel and Jackfield

Tile Museum

Coalport China Museum is home to what

was the China factory until 1926. The listed

buildings now display examples of the old

factory’s work together with national

collections of Coalport and Caughley china.

There are displays and demonstrations

explaining the history and techniques of

china making.

Left: Bottle Kiln at Coalport Museum

Above: Making Flowers In The China Factory

A short walk along the

canal from the Coalport

Museum takes you to the

Tar Tunnel. Over 200

years ago natural bitumen

trickled like treacle into

pools. It was turned into

pitch, lamp black and

rheumatics remedies. We

took a walk along the

brick lined tunnel suitably

adorned with hard hats

supplied where the

bitumen still oozes

through the walls.

The village of Jackfield was once the centre of the

world tile industry. We visited one of the old

factories that today are filled with room after

room of beautiful tile displays. There are room

settings including a pub, a butchers and hospital

ward

Top Right : Butcher’s Shop Tiles

Right: Various Examples Of Patterned Tiles.

One display of tiles that caught my eye was a tile

panel that was rescued by the museum prior to the

demolition of the Kind Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Ealing in the early 1980’s. It shows the small

thatched cottage ‘Y Bwthyn Bach’ presented to Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) by the peo‐

ple of Wales. The tiles were made by Carter & Co of Poole, Dorset in 1935. They were specially author‐

ised by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) The panel was situated

in the Princess Elizabeth Ward.

Artisans In Miniature 70 Text & Photographs © Karen Holt 2010

Formatted By Bea (Fiona) Broadwood

You often take for granted your surroundings and it was

only whilst visiting this museum that I realised how of‐

ten tiles are around us in our everyday lives.

The last museum we visited was the Museum of the Gorge. The Museum is housed in a gothic style

warehouse beside the River Severn. The museum uses film to explain the areas’ significance and you

can also see what the Gorge was like in 1796 with the help of a 12 metre long model. This Ironbridge

Gorge model was by Paul Wells of Vernacular Miniatures and if you look closely there are tiny figures

toiling in a coalmine, cargo on the river and even a Royal carriage crossing the Iron Bridge.

Just along from this museum is the Merrythought Teddy Bear shop who are still producing their world

famous bears.

The last museum on our journey was Broseley Pipeworks. It is an abandoned factory that was once

home to clay tobacco pipe makers who exported all over the world. .

A wonderful few days away and certainly inspired me with regard to my miniatures. I came away with

lots of photographs of buildings, room settings, cast iron ranges, fireplaces and wonderful tiles.

I would certainly recommend a visit to the area. Throughout the year there are special

events and workshops which you can look out for at www.ironbridge.org.uk

Karen Holt

Above: Elizabeth Tiles...


Things...

Just for fun!!!

1

2

8

9

10

3

4

I once spent th e nig ht, locked from midnight till dawn in th e Tower Of London. . .

I am a strict ve g etarian… who (unfortunate ly) hates peas!

I m et my husband (Mr Bea) when I was 13 and we have b een tog eth er e ver since .

I g o cross country running e veryday. . .

My favourite musical is West Side Story. . .

I am an obsessive Prince fan, who has ne ver missed a concert…!

I am fluent in Makaton sign languag e . . .

I used to b e a g ymnast. . .

I was once a Can Can Dancer…!

Despite Mr Bea’s c laims, I am a much b etter c ook than h e is…!

5

6

7

Bea (Fiona) Broadwood

you never knew

about me!

Bea (Fiona) Broadwood of Petite Properties

Ltd & LUMO Publishing, is a professional dolls

house builder and author.

To find out more about her authentic smaller

scale architecture, kits and project books, why

not visit her website;

www.petite‐properties.com

Text & Photograph © Petite Properties Ltd 2010

Just for fun we thoug ht we would challeng e our m emb ers to te ll us s o m e u n kn o wn fa c ts a b o u t th emse lves…

So to kick off this new feature, our editor and AIM founder; Bea Broadwood unwittingly kindly agreed to take the plunge and be the first AIM member to share…

‘10 ThINGS YOU never knew ABOUT ME...’

NEW

Formatted By Bea Broadwood

Artisans In Miniature ?? Artisans In Miniature 99

See you in December !!!

Alison Brand Amanda Speakman

Ana Anselmo Bea (Fiona)Broadwood

Carol Smith Celia Of Oberons Wood

Christiane Lourier Elena Gerli

Frances Powell Helen Woods Jain Squires Janet Smith

Janine Crocker Jean & John Day Julie Campbell Julie Dewar Kate Pinsent

Kathi Mendenhall Kathy B

Ken Batty Kevin Jackson Kristy Taylor

Lesley Shepherd

Lili Goczal Ludwina Akbulut Van Oosterwyck

Mags Cassidy Marsha Mees Mary Williams

Melanie Navarro Mo Tipton Pat Carlson

Peiwen Petitgrand Philippa Todd

Robin Brady-Boxwell Sally Watson Sara Scales

Sarah Maloney Stephanie Kilgast Teresa Thompson Tom Saunders Troy Schmidt Vicky Guile

Viola Williams

Guest Contributors… Karen Holt

Paulo Gomes

This issue would not have been possible without the generous contributions from the following AIM members…

Many thanks therefore go to...

Please Note:

The projects included in this publication are not suitable for children under the age of 14. The miniatures featured in this magazine are collectors items and therefore unsuitable for children under 14.

All projects are undertaken at your own risk. AIM does not accept responsibility for any injury incurred. All articles and photographs used in this magazine are copyright of their authors.

The AIM magazine’s content is for private use only and it must not be reproduced in part or in full for commercial gain in any form.

Each artisan contributor is responsible for their own work / contribution to the AIM magazine and retain full responsibility for their published work.

The authors/self publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any consequences arising from following instructions, advice or information in this magazine.

www.artisansinminiature.com

aim mag issue 28 november 2010

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