Miniatura - the big show for all things tiny!

Miniature by Shepherd Miniatures. Photo Rob Tysall

The Miniatura Exhibition, Stoneleigh NAEC on 18 and 19 March

Preview by Ann Evans

If you’ve never experienced a dolls house miniatures show, may I suggest you head along to the Spring Miniatura Show at Stoneleigh and prepare to be totally amazed by what you find.

Children are more than welcome at the show but don’t imagine that dolls house miniatures are for children. The world of miniatures is the passion and livelihood of thousands of discerning adults who create and collect the most outstanding of scaled domestic miniatures ranging from 1:12 scale to 1:144 so that a dolls house will fit into a dolls house. Some miniaturists go even smaller still.

Dotties Miniature Shop. Photo Rob Tysall

The Miniatura Show brings together the very best artisans in the dolls house field. Many are established makers who enthusiasts know and love, plus there are always new faces, bringing along their unique styles and craftsmanship. You’ll probably recognise Michael R Miniatures as Michael was one of the contestants on last year’s TV show, The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge. Pop by his stand and see his work for real.

You’ll find everything you need for your dolls house, room box or collection: furniture, tableware, soft furnishings, ornaments, lighting, dolls and character figures, fun fantasy items, hats, lingerie, wedding dresses – everything in fact, including the kitchen sink!

Butler's kitchen, Featherstone Hall. Dee Daw Designs. Photo Rob Tysall

It’s not just the size of these miniatures, it’s the skill of these miniaturists that will amaze you. These crafts folk work with all types of materials such as wood, silver, copper, porcelain, wool, fabric and of course polymer clay. They create everything you would find in a life-sized house but expertly scaled down in height, width, thickness, even to the weave of the fabric, the strands of the wool and the grain of the wood.

The show is a great opportunity to chat to the makers about their creations. And if you do want to try your hand at making something in miniature there will be workshops and demonstrations going on over the two days. Additionally, there will be special stands such as the Miniature Needlework Society, and the impressive Featherstone Hall stately home dolls house; also club stands such as the Small Scale Fiddlers; and new this spring, the National Association of Miniatures who will be there telling visitors what they can offer.

Country Contrasts. Photo Rob Tysall.

Miniatura began back in 1983, founded by Bob and Muriel Hopwood of Birmingham, and now organised and run by son Andy Hopwood and his team. Andy holds two shows each year – spring and autumn, both of which are now held at Stoneleigh, a venue that’s proved popular with exhibitors and visitors alike.

Andy commented: “Stoneleigh is an ideal spacious venue with wide aisles, lots of seating; free and easy parking and a free shuttle bus from Coventry Station. The show itself features some of the best makers in the world plus exhibition stands from very talented amateurs as well as tens of thousands of dolls house items to browse; there are also demonstrations and workshops. One of the best things about attending the Miniatura Show is meeting with people who share your hobby. At Miniatura you’ll get to talk to the makers of the amazing work you are buying, it’s all part of the experience.”

For more details: www.miniatura.co.uk