Process

I begin by visiting/researching old and historical buildings and (where possible) photographing the interiors for ideas. This also helps to activate one’s own imagination into creating unique designs and one of kind pieces. I also enjoy researching old furniture designs and sourcing prints when and where possible.

I then scale the images/ideas down to mainly 1:12 scale pieces. I will sometimes sketch the piece I wish to make, whether it be based upon an original piece (such as my Medici coaches) or a unique piece using styles of a period as one would if one had been a maker during any represented century.

Some pieces are made without sketches and develop organically as one would sculpt clay or paint a picture. This happens a lot with repurposed pieces as you often visualise immediately what it can become. I sometimes add a touch of symbolism to my pieces.

My materials are mainly sourced from antique fairs/markets and also online. Most wood is reclaimed and purchased from old clock makers/furniture sellers and from old offcuts/ pieces. I have sourced wood and fabrics from as far back as the 16^th century. Using these materials not only saves on the environment but also gives an aged look to my pieces of work eg. My dollhouse was made by me using mainly old rosewood pieces which are over 100 years old, the house itself was made by me in approx. 2008 but is often mistaken as a much older piece (this is an intentional part of my process).

My tools include hand carving tools and a wood lathe as well as a pyrography machine (writing with fire) for patterning of some wood pieces.

Final touches - I will often add silver elements to my work and also stone and ceramics for flooring as well as inlaid wood pieces.

As my pieces are handmade, they can take some time complete. My beds & furniture usually take 3 – 4 days to complete and room boxes and unique items (like my carriages) can take several weeks/months.

My dollhouse is often used as a show piece for some of my work and is a continuous work in progress (as previously mentioned above, I made my personal dollhouse in 2008 and it is still not finished – something I think that all makers and owners of a dollhouse/dollhouses can relate to).

I love making beds especially and as a certain chap once said;

"The bed has become a place of luxury to me! I would not exchange it for all the thrones in the world" - Napoleon Bonaparte

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