Caroline Dewison, known as A House of Wonders, is a talented artist from Warrington, England, who creates enchanting handmade miniatures and dioramas inspired by myth, magic, and the natural world. Her work is characterized by its intricate details, capturing the essence of the world around her in miniature form. Dewison’s journey into miniature creation began with making little mossy patches on clay pieces and sourcing materials from model railway layouts. She was inspired by the realistic scenes created by others and decided to buy scenery supplies, which led to the growth of her ideas. Her love for the natural world, which she grew up exploring in the woods and fields near her home, is evident in her work.
Each miniature is crafted to show a precious moment captured in time, often using Jesmonite frames and lightweight MDF backgrounds. Dewison sources a range of materials, including small boxes, model-making supplies, and acrylic paints, to create each intricate scene. Her use of a special type of clay and a 3D-printing pen adds to the realism and depth of her landscapes. Dewison’s work is not only visually stunning but also a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her miniatures can be interactive, using electronic technology to create standalone scenes or modern techniques like AR to create immersive experiences in the real world.
I didn’t really set out with the intention of making miniatures. They just turned out that way. It began with making little mossy patches on clay pieces, sourcing materials I found in model railway layouts, which I immediately fell in love with. Seeing how others recreated such realistic scenes was really inspiring, so I bought some scenery supplies, and the ideas just grew. The natural world has always filled me with a sense of wonder. I grew up in the days where you could disappear all day as long as you were home for tea, and I spent a lot of my time exploring the woods and fields near our house.
Caroline Dewison
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Colossal).
