In 1812, the adventure novel "Der Schweizerische Robinson" by Johann David Wyss was published. Later, a publisher by the name of Pierre-Jules Hetzel modified the story republishing it as "The New Swiss Robinson". Since then, a number of versions and adaptations have been produced but none have been more influential than Disney's 1960 release of "Swiss Family Robinson" for the big screen. In 1991, "Wreck of the Brighton" was completed and put on display in Old Town San Diego. In 1992, the treehouse was shown at a miniature show in La Jolla, California where it received praise from a newspaper article as "a treehouse Swiss Family Robinson would kill for." Although the "Wreck of the Brighton" was heavily influenced by the concepts put forth in Wyss's novel and Disney's movie, the story of the Brighton involves a much larger group of castaways (20 in all). And as anyone who has ever built a treehouse knows, every tree is different so the only similarities that can be drawn between the "Brighton" and the Robinson treehouse are that each is a structure supported by a tree. One can use the same techniques and materials right down to the color of the paint (if there is any) but the tree always dictates the outcome. Except in the land of cinema where the tree is designed and built around the treehouse. So, no...this work was not designed nor intended to look like anything previously created... by anyone. |
Miniatures open up a whole new world of discovery. For all the places you can dream of, you can make in miniature and have an adventure of your own. This is where the magic began with me. As I was working in the "lumber yard" for the Treehouse, I was always thinking of my own place to build. The Wizard's Cottage is that place. The cottage itself is made of 1/4" plywood and stuccoed with spackle and measures about 18" wide and 10" tall. The windows are made of microscope slides framed in wood. Kim carved out 7 beam heads to hold up the loft. The floor and fire pit are made from pour stone. The furniture are pieces I made from thin wood planks, cut and nailed together with very tiny nails and brackets. Most items in the cottage are hand made by myself or my husband. The door is always open, so please come in and have a closer look...... |
Unlike most of our other projects, I don't recall exactly why we started this one, but once we did it took on a life of its own. Built on a 54mm scale, about half of the castle was put together brick by brick. And, it's not finished, yet! The weathering and landscaping is next. Now, this is what I call fun! |