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!).

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)

Miniature Icons: Traditional v. New School

For much of it’s history, upscale, collectible miniature art has been primarily focused on creating miniature works that replicate Victorian style and early 20th century architecture, art, clothing and the like—after all, the dollhouse and the practice of creating miniatures were founded during this era. Traditional miniaturists focus on preserving this style through their work, often replicating full sized pieces from the time period in 1:12 scale. Some of the masters of this tradition spend their entire careers meticulously researching and designing and crafting ornate pieces which are reminiscent of times past.

One notable master of the “old” style, is Peter Acquisto, who is known for his precise 1:12 (and 1:24) scale reproductions of antique silver pieces.

Geoffrey Wonnacott is another master who makes exquisite miniature furniture that is often sourced from reclaimed antiques.

Henry Kupjack is yet another example of an artist who has really mastered this style. His magnificent to-scale room “boxes” replicate scenes from the 19th and early 20th century.

However, while the more traditional works are what come to mind when many of us think of miniatures, there is also a growing group of miniaturists who are defining themselves as distinctively “new-school.” These designers focus on creating modern and contemporary style miniature pieces that are reminiscent of the design styles that have been prominent from the 1950’s to today.

Michael Yurkovic is perhaps one of the biggest names when it comes to new style miniatures. Founder of the Atomic Miniature, his pieces replicate the brightly colored, clean, modern designs of the 1950s and 60’s.

Similarly, miniature potter John Almeda creates high-quality miniature pots, vases and bowls that are uniquely modern.

Finding artists who are focused on contemporary miniature style is a bit more rare, but artist Sae Nakagawa’s clean, rustic, minimalist designs have really set the bar for this style.

Do you prefer the traditional or the contemporary? Who are you favorite icons of these styles? Let us know in the comments below!

(Photo Credits: Pinterest, Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures, Charitybuzz, IGMA, Instagram)