News October 2024

October 2024

Last month saw my 30th year as a professional model maker and there were some great new projects to deliver. One outstanding piece was a model commissioned by Coles Conservation Architects for a planning proposal meeting to illustrate alterations to the fabric of St James Garlickhythe in the City of London. This famous Wren Church has a spire attributed to Hawksmoor and to do the concept of this model justice, I decided to create a monotone piece which had the weathered appearance of the great model of St Paul’s or the wonderful aged models in the Soane Museum. The structure was simply built in wood and laser-cut MDF, details were minimised to create an overall impression of the texture of the building without spending too much time on construction. The whole model was then painted with washes of acrylic paints.

Here is what Andrew Coles commented about the project: ‘The physical architectural model remains the most useful design tool in exploring 3D space and form.

Here is our striking 1:50 sectional model of St James Garlickhythe. This will be used to test and refine our re-ordering proposals that will help optimise the use of this exceptionally significant Sir Christopher Wren church.

We really enjoyed collaborating with Ben Taggart for this project, who has been making “miniature architectural wonders” for over 30 years. The model is made from laser cut timber, hand-assembled with details drawn up and printed in 3D by Christopher Walker. It’s a pleasure for us to keep the art and craft of model making alive by utilising the latest technology together with the traditional skills employed by Architects for centuries.

Special thanks to Revd. Anthony H. and the fabric committee for their passion and vision for this remarkable building. We eagerly look forward to developing proposals!’