Here’s a tiny taster of all the wonderful miniatures at Autumn Miniatura.
First to catch my eye was Laurence St.Leger, who was, as always, happy to demonstrate his wonderful tiny tin toys. This Harlequin is particularly pleasing; he hops up and hangs his dear little legs over the edge of the box.
I don’t know if Laurence is feeling macabre or cheerful but there are definitely a few skeletons in his closet.
Either that or the TV dancing contestants have overdone the diet
and I adored this little chap pounding the old joanna assisted by his perky pal, a parrot. Are they singing ‘Dem bones’?
New readers should know that all these toys work; a turn of the handle is all that’s needed to make you smile.
Some of the exhibitors are only at the Autumn show, such as David Edwards who does extraordinary things with a lathe and a tree or some old recycled ivory.
These miniatures are small as you can see by the finger of Jane
David is famous for the smallest; I think there can scarcely be a miniaturist in existence without one of David’s cotton reels.
The full size (but still small) counterpart of which may be found on the Langley Threads stand
where, despite being in and out of hospital for much of the summer John has produced a lot of terrific new colours.
These Superfine silks are so good for sewing I never want to use anything else, I can’t believe it’s only a year since I found them, I can’t imagine how I managed without them. These are the new colours and there is an Elephant and a Mud brown still waiting to be wound onto the reels using the winding machine that John invented.
Unmissable this show is Jill Bennett. This is her last Miniatura, as eye problems have obliged her to give up miniature doll making, which is a pity, because, as you can see, she has got really good at it!
Go and see for yourself while you still have the chance.
Also don’t miss the once-a-year visit of the virtuoso potter Elizabeth Causeret, who comes from France with a vast and tempting array.
I have been collecting Elizabeth’s work for years.
The only problem is one of choice.
There’s such a lot and it’s all so good.
Which is pretty much the problem that affects the entire show.
If you feel the same after sampling this tiny taster, tomorrow is the day you can just pop along and pay at the door. The show, in Hall 11 (of the NEC, easily reachable by car or public transport,) is open from 10am till 4.30pm. If you are a regular visitor you may wish to take advantage of the money off offer on tickets purchased at the show for the Spring show, which will be the 60th event.
Full details and cast list of this show at www.miniatura.co.uk
See you there!
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JaneLaverick.com – doing the thing I love with the people I love.