Simon Williams Miniatures
Combining a lifelong passion for architecture and miniatures, I have been building houses and room boxes in one twelfth scale for almost 20 years. Specialising in the Georgian aesthetic, I have also built several French and Victorian houses and shops (a few theatres, too). By blending historical references with an interpretation of the customer’s ideas, I design and build the structures myself, using various techniques to create and model key components, as well as working closely with the best miniature artisans. All of which results in an exclusive ensemble to be treasured for years to come.
I first got the mini bug whilst visiting the dolls house shop on the lower level at Covent Garden when I was a child. It was a tiny shop, crammed full of tiny things – I used to save my pocket money and buy Sue Cook fireplaces and columns. I remember staring up at the wonderful houses for sale and the glass cabinets filled with treasures. It was one of my favourite places to go.
(Simon was probably served by one of the KDF team when in the Covent Garden shop as this is where most of us worked before the Dollshouse Festival)
Mulvany and Rogers have been an influence on my work, not just from a technical perspective but also in the refined consistent way they produce their creations. I’m certainly not comparing my work with theirs, rather, their’s makes me want to try harder and push myself. I am also influenced by architects from the past, William Kent and Robert Adam being at the top of the list. You can’t beat a day walking around a Stately Home for inspiration.
I guess realism is the most important thing for me when creating a miniature scene. I particularly enjoy designing a house or room that has several points of interest – a secret door, or a corner you can’t quite see all the way around.
I love being creative. Like most miniaturists, I am self taught and have never stop learning – I thoroughly enjoy following others on Instagram etc to see what they are doing, and how they do it – it’s a wonderfully supportive community and there’s always something new to try.
I’m currently working on a French inspired villa and then I have a Georgian Townhouse to get stuck in to. This is my full time job and I couldn’t be happier.
