John’s Last Show 2021
Sue’s Retirement
‘Although I have now retired, I am keeping the website live for the historical information of forty years work. This includes the exhibitions and beautiful work shown here in the video by Steve Putman at Hever Castle, the Faberge collections around the world, and other museums including the Kaye Browning Spencer House exhibition in Kentucky.
I am not taking any more orders, but e mail me if you are interested in any remaining stock. Thank you to all our lovely customers and friends for their loyal custom over the years which has given John and I great pleasure and latterly since his death, comfort and purpose for me. Ruthie goes back to teaching full time in September; her artistic talent has shown through in the painting and upholstering of John’s furniture. Who knows what the future holds?’
For those new visitors not knowing Johns work with miniature furniture, he visited stately homes and private homes to photograph, measure and draw the pieces before being able to duplicate them in miniature. At the Kensington festival in May, I was able to display some of his wooden pieces and also to show pictures of some very elaborate items in our own collection. I showed tiny very delicate pieces of fretwork all hand-cut, every detail worked out to perfection to create the furniture and the room settings. Over forty years of work.
I also showed the photograph of his miniature easel where he painted his miniature paintings.
On the website you will see different painted colour ways, and many different fabrics. We are not able to show every different combination, so let us know your requests and if we can help you design the look you want in your miniature collection, Please e mail sue@johnjhodgson.com with any queries. We look forward to hearing from you – Sue
Hever Castle Commission
In 1990, John was commissioned by Hever Castle in Kent, to produce a miniature exhibition. A very early Mediaeval house was made by John, becoming the first out of a series of three large houses and several room settings. These were built to depict the history of the architecture, furniture, costume and lifestyle of the times – from early Mediaeval, Elizabethan, Restoration Stuart, Georgian to the Victorian era.
For one man to attempt to make these huge models, together with their furniture, John had to diversify and develop his casting skills. Using moulds made from his hand-carved original pieces, he was able to cast items in metal and resin.
The long gallery of the Elizabethan house, has highly carved panelled walls and a wonderful honeysuckle design on a half-barrelled ceiling. This is just one example of the great care and attention to detail involved in making these models. You will see examples of John’s wonderful carving in various houses throughout the collection.
In contrast to this, most of the furniture in the Hever Collection is hand-carved in wood, using either mahogany or walnut.
John spent almost ten years working to create the exhibition which was opened by Dame Judi Dench, who is herself, a miniature enthusiast.
Steve Putnam.
Please note that our miniature furniture pieces are collectors pieces not toys for children.
Cabinets(3)
Chairs(49)
Louis XV Period(46)
Misc Items(11)
Settees(20)
Stools(10)
Tables(25)
Window Seats(5)
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