Models

A few people have been talking about model-making recently, and showing photos of models they've made (Plastic).  Sunflower, too, was commenting on Robert's photos of rooftops, saying how fascinating she finds them.  I'm the same - and I think it's partly to do with seeing the world in miniature, as it were: looking down on the world and trying to figure out what's going on behind those doors and windows, under those rooftops.  When I was a kid, we lived for a few years in a London tower block.  I used to love nothing better than to go up to the top floor rubbish chute room alone and stand there, by the window, looking out at the windows on the rest of the estate and the surrounding streets.  Looking at the toy cars and the ant-sized people going about their business far below.  Seeing it all laid out like a 3D map in front of me.

I don't really make models myself, though I've often thought about taking it up.  I know the fascination, though, of seeing these miniature versions of things - especially in mock-ups, like you find in some museums.

I thought people might find this article interesting.  I'd not heard of Bekonscot before, but was instantly enthralled.  I must try and pay it a visit sometime - on a quiet day.

Tim Dunn, one of the volunteer workers there, comments: "You mustn’t deride how people find their happiness. Many people with Asperger’s and autism find pleasure and a level of safety in making or looking at models, and if you’re an introvert, how better to spend your time?"

He's right, I think.  For me, it's also about being able to establish a sense of order: 'I've created this, and I can make it work in a way that satisfies me.'

And it's a great way of releasing the imagination...

Shrinking the World