The Future is Bright
How our younger miniaturists can inspire us all.
Ever since I took over the running of this incredible show in 2005, I realised the importance of encouraging the next generation to have a go themselves at making miniatures for their dolls houses; a cunning plan to make sure there will be experienced miniaturists for generations to come. We quickly introduced the ‘Gingerbread Craft Club’ (not sure where the name came from but it stuck) which now takes place at every show and gives our young visitors the opportunity to experiment with lots of different materials and learn skills that will help them when creating their own miniature masterpiece.
With this in mind, I was delighted to meet Arabella Duffy at our Summer Show this year. At only 12 years old, Arabella is already making miniatures that she sells at a local market in North London. I wanted to know more about how she had got so inspired by our tiny world at such a young age.
Her story starts the same as many miniaturists. Arabella’s mother, an artist herself, is a collector of vintage dolls houses and miniatures and Arabella would spend time with her parents visiting car boot sales and second-hand shops, sniffing out some tiny hidden gems.
My mum is my inspiration, she’s a painter and for as long as I can remember there has always been paint, pencils and easels ready for when inspiration takes hold. I watch as my mum makes little watercolour paintings in vintage matchboxes and brings the world to life.
She started making peg dolls when she was 7 years old, using off cuts of fabric and un-twirling chord to make Marie Antoinette’s hair. Now she now sells her dolls & miniatures at a local market and has already got various commissions. This means she is creating something most days. She works in the attic of her house, where they have a workshop with 3 big tables where Arabella works with her mum and dad in the afternoons and evenings.
What is the most important skill to have if you want to make miniatures? According to Arabella, it all starts with your imagination. In their workshop there is a big cabinet full of jars of different materials, this is a great place to start. After this you need patience, a steady hand and attention to details is key for that true authentic feeling.
The thrill and fear of taking the first slice out of one of my cakes is the toughest challenge as you never know how it’s going to turn out. Thankfully most of the time it is ok, I have learnt to accept when it’s not and just start again.
Her recent commissions include a diorama of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road, Henry VI with his 6 wives & a diorama for the restaurant chain ‘The Breakfast Club’. Is there anything Arabella will not try?
Another inspiring moment for me this year was while at the Royal Society of Miniatures Summer Exhibition (where our PIMA winning entries were displayed) I noticed, in pride of place, another cabinet containing the entries into their RMS Junior competition. The work was incredible! “We need to have our own Perfection in Miniature Award – Juniors” was my immediate reaction and so, this year we will.
You can find out more about PIMA Juniors HERE
