Artist Inspired to Reimagine Iconic Television Studio Set in Miniature

Artist Jill Orlov is a classically trained and award-winning architect, sculptural furniture designer and innovative miniaturist. Her creations use mild steel she makes by hand along with cast metals and reclaimed objects including vintage wooden drawers, plumbing parts, and other items often considered to be castaways.

Jill was inspired by iconic pop culture television studio sets to reimagine their environments, as one-twelfth scale shadowboxes, for the newest exhibition of fine art miniatures: THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

This concept of creating “reimagined” spaces extends into her Contained Objects of Art series of 1/12th scale miniature vignettes, and not only includes inspiration from Julia Child's Kitchen, but from The Brady Bunch and All in the Family as well.

The vignette, made almost entirely of metal (except for the books, glassware and spices) includes a draped copper mesh table cloth, copper pots, steel appliances and cabinetry. One can almost hear Ms. Child herself tell us to just "add a little bit more butter."

The piece, which took hundreds of hours to create, is housed in a vintage shipping crate and contains under counter/cabinet LED lighting for a wonderful moody effect.

Julia's Kitchen in a Box 20-1/4" wide x 10-1/4" deep x 12-5/8" tall

THOSE WERE THE DAYS is based on the concept developed by Darren T. Scala, curator of the The Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. “Like so many who came of age in the 1970s’s, Jill and I have deep creative and artistic connections to the television shows we watched. We have created this exhibition to display the continuing influence of 1970’s pop icon television on art, design, the decorative arts and contemporary culture. I am thrilled to showcase Jill’s amazing work!” says Scala.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS will be on view from May 21 through July 31 in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. Click here for inquiries and more information, visit us in the Gallery or click here to purchase.

Check out our 3-part podcast series posted on our You Tube channel to listen to our interview with Ms. Orlov.

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and contact us here!