MCM Miniatures and SLQ

This is the first in a series of posts about my first scratch build - what I am calling the Glenalta House - a small part of a simple suburban house build in the 1960s (I’m guessing).

I have always been fascinated with tiny things. Model railroading was certainly something I would do in retirement. Of course, it is an expensive hobby. Would I be able to afford it in retirement? Would I have the space? Right now I can tick both boxes (kind of). Early in 2023 I decided to give it some more thought.

As is usual, I binged social medium, watching hours of Youtube and joining every Facebook Group related to local model railway clubs and any miniature groups. The fact I was into ‘dollhouses’ didn’t sit quite right at first.

What does this have to do with mid-century modern and the State Library of Queensland (SLQ)?

In one of the local Facebook miniature groups I saw someone mention a workshop at the SLQ. I searched for it and signed up immediately. What a path this has led me down.

The Edge at SLQ

The Edge at the State Library of Queensland is a space designed for creativity, digital creation, and experimentation. It caters to Queensland’s innovators, digital creators, and researchers, fostering an environment for developing future memories and ideas. The facility offers a variety of resources including equipment and tools for makers and creatives, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, digital media equipment, and a recording studio. These resources support diverse creative projects, including music production, interviews, podcasts, and various digital creations. It also runs regular workshops.

Mid-century Modern in Miniature Workshop (Oct-Nov 23)

The “Mid-Century Modern in Miniature” workshop at The Edge is an engaging experience that blends Queensland’s architectural heritage with modern digital fabrication techniques. We explored the State Library’s vast collections to draw inspiration from Queensland’s architectural designs, focusing on the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) style prevalent from 1945 to 1969. The workshop involved hands-on activities like creating vector files in Inkscape, undergoing laser cutter and 3D printer induction, and then bringing it all together building a miniature piece MCM architecture with accompanying furniture.

The Workshop Experience

At the workshop, the diverse experience of participants was well-supported by the instructors, Michelle and Ellie. Their patient guidance ranged from addressing basic queries (me: how do I change this line colour in Inkscape), to more complex tasks such as modelling stairs for laser cutting. This inclusive approach provided a supportive environment that encouraged creativity without the fear of technical limitations. Michelle and Ellie’s firsthand experience in building MCM houses added a practical perspective, and their openness about the challenges was particularly insightful.

Outside the workshop, The Edge’s atmosphere was inclusive and welcoming, attracting a diverse crowd including students and locals seeking access to digital tools and a comfortable space to spend the day.

Next Up

Design and Construction of Glenalta House