Events

Until 2 March 2008 | Museum of English Rural Life | Redlands Road | Reading | see below for opening times.

Legoland in Windsor, Queen Mary's dolls house at Windsor Castle and the World of Miniature in Cornwall, we've always been fascinated by scale models.

To continue the tradition a new exhibition focusing on models and miniatures has opened at Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading.

Miniature cottage

Called A Small World: Models and Miniatures from the MERL Collections, the exhibition brings together some fascinating scale models, miniatures, toys and more from the Museum's collections.

The person responsible for putting the exhibition together is Museum Officer Will Phillips, who says: "Small-scale objects are often appealing to the eye. Those on display in our new exhibition are no exception, from the beautifully painted model gypsy caravan to a series of Victorian silhouettes".

He adds: "Scale models and miniatures can also serve a variety of practical functions.

"Some are robust toys designed to be played with, such as the model tractor, others demonstrate the skill and dextrous handiwork of craftspeople."

A feature of the exhibition will be one of the museum's most recent acquisitions: a model of a steam engine and threshing machine.

Other examples of items on display include a model of a 17th century character in the stocks for 'for being drunk on a Sunday', made in 1966 by Cicely Hey.

Miniature tractor

There's also a Tri-ang toy tractor, which was given as a birthday present to the donor in the 1950s.

"Models can be educational, illustrating the evolution in styles or technologies and some are historically significant objects in their own right," says Will.

The plaster model of a Shorthorn Bull made around 1800 by George Garrard is an example of a model made to serve a specific purpose.

Garrard produced models of many different breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs, during an era of intense livestock improvement. He hoped that the exactness of his models would act as a standard by which breeders and judges could identify the best stock.

Miniature bull

The bull on show in the exhibition was from the Royal herd at Windsor and was a massive 7ft and 7inches long. Today these models provide an accurate, 3D view of farm animals before the age of photography.

Will says: "Many of the models have never been displayed before so this is a great opportunity for the public to see some of the interesting and unusual gems from the MERL collections."

The exhibition is open tunil to March 2 2008 at the Museum of English Rural Life at Redlands Road.

Opening times are Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and at weekends 2pm to 4.30pm. The Museum is closed from December 24 to January 1 2008.