John Constable - Author of 'Understanding Cottages' and 'Landscapes in Miniature'

John Constable, who has written successful books on his art and generated a wealth of publicity as the project has grown, would like to find his miniature attraction a home so that it can be enjoyed by visitors and residents either complementing an existing attraction or as a centre piece to a restaurant, conference venue or a commercial venture.

These are historic cottages meticulously researched then hand built in miniature using traditional materials.  I have had two books published about my work, 'Landscapes in Miniature' in 1984 and 'Understanding Cottages The dream and the reality' In 2002.  This latest book has a chapter devoted to each of the cottages pictured here set in a living countryside of miniature trees and plants, this land is approximately 16 feet square on a bed raised to eye level.  With this flora of a smaller world I have found it possible to recreate the beauty of the British countryside in miniature.  This is an entirely different way of making a picture - a way which reflects and preserves a factual representation of our rural heritage.  Each cottage is built upon a solid base (foundations) and will therefore stand alone or buried into the soil.  These buildings are made to weather in outdoor conditions where the years will add the authentic patina of age.

Prince Charles has called this landscape 'A miniature building museum' and Sir Paul Getty 'A new form of art' Meticulously researched cottages taking miniaturisation and modelling into the realm of art as well as heritage preservation and restoration.  New ideas are often linked to established concepts, leading to the confusion of this original art with a model village.  My picture is an authentic vista of a rural world raised to eye level through which the minds eye can wander.  A natural world which alters from day to day, flowers bloom and fade and spring leaves break from buds to turn colour with the seasons, finally the leaves will fall to reveal winters' landscape.  This green seclusion brings Britain's rural past to life in a way not possible before

I was trained as a precision engineer and turned those skills to rebuilding the lost cottage heritage of Britain.  I have written for many magazines and often appeared on T.V., this brought me the private funding which enabled the completion of the necessary years of research.  My earlier book 'Landscapes in Miniature' explains the miniature trees and plants used to create a living countryside, their care, and the basics of my building techniques.