Albany show might be called off but Shore miniatures club keeps busy in lockdown

The members of the North Shore Miniatures Club have had to postpone their latest showcase after months of hard work and preparation.

But while the exhibition can’t go ahead under level-four restrictions, the artists are still ready to go, with amazing miniature creations. including an historic 1940s house, tiny caravans and even a detailed Hogwarts Castle.

The mastermind behind the castle and long-time club member, Frances Gillett, says that she’s keeping busy during the lockdown.

“I’m always building and I always have about six projects on the go.”

The miniature Hogwarts is a group project. Photo: supplied

Originally an engineer and now a teacher, Ms Gillett has been with the club for more than 20 years.

“When I got married, one of my husband’s friends built his wife a doll’s house and that’s what inspired me to get into [building miniatures].”

Carrying on with the Harry Potter theme, she is currently putting her efforts into creating a miniature version of the sweet store Honeydukes from the movie series.

“I’ve been developing the big round windows which has been a bit challenging.”

She has also been mentoring others in the club, helping them upskill by setting challenges for members to complete at their own pace and in their own time.

Most members have the shell of a corner house (cross section) to work on and have been learning how to create windows.

“They are all different designs and at different stages of being finished at the moment.”

Club members are learning to make windows. Photo: supplied

Another long-time member, Dorothy Brinsden, has also been a member for more than 20 years, with the club being a large part of her family history.

“My mum started a year after the club did, and when my dad passed she wouldn’t go back so I took her for a day and haven’t stopped going back since and have made some lifelong friends as a result.”

She enjoys the community spirit and the range of opportunities membership of the NZ Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NZAME) brings, including the annual conventions every two years, where members from New Zealand and overseas get to showcase their skills.

“My favourite creation was the model of my full-size caravan for the Nelson convention in 2014 which included models of food and a small BBQ, all made inside a biscuit tin.”

Usually, the group has a large project such as the Hogwarts Castle that many members work on, while also working separately on their own.

Last year's exhibition at Albany. Photo: supplied

Although it might be a while off, the group hopes to still hold their showcase at the Albany Exhibition Hall  later this year, and also attend the upcoming NZAME convention in Christchurch in October.

As for getting involved, Ms Gillet says people are welcome to come along to the club once Covid restrictions have eased.

“We have so many people with different skill sets which works really well. If people are interested feel free to come along and have a go.”

More information can be found on the NZAME website.