Mixed Media Miniatures

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times—collecting and creating miniatures is SO much more than just a hobby—it is truly a unique form of art. Thus, like any art form, new styles and techniques evolve within the genre all the time. As always, we at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures do our best to keep up with all of the trends and cutting edge techniques so that we can keep you in the loop.

In keeping with this idea, we recently held a workshop on up and coming trend of mixed media miniatures, which focuses on collecting miniatures and arranging them for display in a three dimensional “scrapbook” style piece. This technique allows the collector a way both to create a decorative collage style piece, but also a vehicle with which to organize and show off the best of their miniature collection. Additionally, the “scrapbox,” as they are sometimes called, becomes a decorative piece to display in one’s home.

The idea of displaying pieces in a shadow box is actually quite an old one. Traditionally, sailors retiring from the military would keep their naval badges, flags and military medals in shadowboxes that were later placed on display in their homes. Eventually, artists began to create shadowboxes for non-military homes. During the Colonial and Victorian eras, when miniatures became popular, shadowboxes began to be used to display prized miniature pieces.

Today’s mixed media miniature pieces draw upon these traditions but are uniquely modern. One of the foremost scrapbox artists from whom many draw inspiration is Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s boxes primarily feature unique found objects from a number of sources including thrift stores; garage sales and even just things found lying on the ground. If you’re seeking inspiration, you can check out his stylishly eclectic website here.

The art form has become so popular in recent years, that the LA Times did a featured piece on a collection of scrapboxes that recount important figures and events in American history. The article and fascinating accompanying slide show can be found at the Times’ website.

Though the inagural scrapboxing workshop has unfortunately passed, don’t worry—you don’t have to miss out on the fun. D. Thomas is holding another workshop on October 15th. It will be hosted by expert scrapboxer, Heidi Bound, and will have a Fall/Halloween theme.

Oh, and of course you can always check out the pictures from the last workshop on our website and on our Instagram page. (and while you’re there, be sure to follow us!).

Tiny Towns: Theme Parks in Miniature

Though the most traditional miniature replicas are created in 1/12th scale, the world of miniatures is experiencing an increasing amount of variety in the scale of replica pieces. For example, it is not uncommon to now find micro-miniature objects recreated in sizes as small as 1/48th scale.

On the other end of the spectrum, miniature theme parks create smaller versions of international landmarks in a number of different scales. These parks transform recognizable attractions into more interactive pieces that visitors can view at eye level.

One of the most well known of these parks, Miniaturk, is located in Istanbul, Turkey. The park spans an area of 650,000 sq ft. (60,000 sq m.) and displays the entire city of Istanbul in 1:25th scale as well as a few other popular destinations from across the nation.

The park includes the most important city landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as to-scale recreations of historical landmarks, such as the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and other now extinct structures, and does not skip on the fine details, including miniature replica houses and trails in the residential portions of the city. A replica of the Bosporus flows through the center of the park.

In Beijing, China, Beijing World Park spans an area of more than five million square feet (467,000 sq m.) and provides visitors a “taste” of the world without the need to leave the city limits.

The park contains 109 landmarks from nearly 40 countries and 5 of the 7 continents in 1:25th scale. The park includes replicas of such well known sites as the Pyramid of Giza, the Taj Mahal, Notre Dame Cathedral and, of course, the Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge.

Despite the growing number of newer miniature parks, the Panorama of the City of New York in the Queens Museum in Queens, New York continues to be one of the most iconic and popular miniature “parks” in the world. Though its 1:1200 scale buildings are significantly smaller than the aforementioned attractions, the exhibit covers an area of 9335 sq ft. (867.2 sq m.).

The panorama was originally created as an exhibit for the 1964 World’s Fair and included every building, road, park, bridge and waterway in all 5 boroughs of New York. In 1992, the exhibit was updated and now includes all buildings in the city up until that year.

As of late, new miniature parks have been popping up all around the world and can now be found on almost every continent—from Italia in Miniatura to Mini Israel to the Teotihuacan Diorama in Mexico. Each of these parks serves as an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of its respective nation, and, most importantly, a chance to marvel at mini-architectural masterpieces.

(Okay, we admit, culture and history is pretty important too. But we tend to have a one track mind when it comes to Miniatures!)

(photo credits: Istanbul for 91 Days, World's Best Travel Places, Daily Telegraph, Queens Museum)

Museum of Miniatures Pt. 1: The Kathleen Savage Browning Collection

Summer is finally here—the official season of both the road trip and the getaway. There’s no better time to take a “little” vacation? (pun intended). In the spirit of summer, we are featuring a short series of posts that will spotlight the absolute best miniatures museums from around the world. We have chosen each of these places because of their rich, unique collections of upscale miniature pieces by some of the most established miniaturists of all time. Needless to say, each and every one of these places is more than worth the visit.

The Kathleen Savage Browning collection at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is the perfect museum to start off this series. This museum boasts one of the largest, most extensive personal collections of exquisite 1/12th scale pieces of all time.

Kaye Savage Browning, the collection’s proprietor and owner, has been collecting miniatures since 1974. Since then, she has traveled the world in search of the finest miniature creations.

In 2007, Ms. Savage Browning opened the 3300 square foot gallery in order to share her collection with the public—the collection has grown to include thousands of miniatures, roomboxes, homes and exhibits.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy viewing discussing the many historically accurate miniature replicas pieces, which depict objects and scenes from a wide array of time periods, and preserve important cultural sites in miniature.

The museum is also home to a number of rare exhibit pieces, such as the Spencer House—a 1/12th replica of the ancestral home of Lady Diana, the Princess of Wales, created by famed miniature artisans, Mulvany and Rogers. Each and every detail of the 18th century replica has been created by hand in an exact likeness of the historical landmark in London.

Mrs. Savage Browning’s collection is truly quite remarkable in every sense of the word. The museum is an absolute must-see for all who love miniatures, from the casual collector, to the ardent miniaturist.

The museum is located at 215 Sutton Street in Maysville, Kentucky and is open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 10am until 4pm, and Saturday from 10 to 3. You can also visit the collection’s website for more information or check out the KSB Blog to read some great posts about the collection and other miniature topics.

(Photo Credits: Pinterest, KSB Collection Website, American Towns, Cincinatti Magazine, Facebook)