FigureWorld Show Report

By Adrian Hopwood Figureworld 2010. They came, they saw……They displayed a lot of models ! Yes, that was Figureworld, a celebration of the miniature figure, and a show that managed to bring together fantasy, historical and sci-fi miniatures, mix them together on displays, and get the modellers all sitting down and chatting to one another – not too difficult in itself, but good to see that the British hobby can field such talent and wealth of imagination, and bring it all together in one room. The setting for the show – Maelstrom Games – did us proud. Their shop, upper wargames rooms and other facilities on site had only recently been finished, and this was the largest crowd yet to descend upon it all. Needless to say there were a few wallets relieved of their weight for the resin and white metal offerings on the shop’s shelves. Traders in the main room seemed to do well, SK Miniatures and El Greco appeared to have a constant crowd viewing their wares, and Hawk Miniatures, Victory Miniatures and MDC also had their fair share of interested punters throughout the day. Two different styles of demonstration were running at the show. In the main hall the Sheffield Irregulars had a day-long demo for how to produce groundwork for wargame figures, and opposite them were MDC with Bob showing people how rubber moulds are made so that resin can be cast into them. Interspersed with this were shorter demos that were being run in the smaller adjoining room – one hour from the likes of Hedley Coppock, Steve Walker, Rob Lane, Sean Green, Conrad Mynett, Mark Taylor, Dave Heathfield, Malcolm Cuming and Martyn Dorey As many as three of these chaps were doing their thing at any one time; so there was plenty for people to watch, plus the additional advantage of being able to ask questions and actually see how each artist makes their medium work for them. Throughout the day there were several of the organising team ( Robin Snelson, Rob Lane, Conrad Mynett, Mark Taylor, Kev Jarrett, Ross Mahoney, Kev Peart, Malc Cuming and myself ) taking photos of what was going on and also as many of the models on display as possible. The whole idea was to document what was on show so that if you weren’t lucky enough to be there this time, then you’d get an idea of what you missed, plus it might make you think about making the trip next time Figureworld comes around. There was a very good choice of models to look at, the White Rose society had a superb display taking forty-eight square feet of space, and which they’d set up with careful dry runs at their club meeting the previous month – dedication to looking good and showing off just how many superb modellers and painters they have within their membership, not to mention going that extra mile, just doesn’t sum it up. The Sheffield Irregulars, not content with putting on a day-long demo, also had a display area set aside for them. Their focus tends to be on wargames pieces, and hence the models are somewhat diminutive when compared to some of the other pieces on other displays. However, the onlooker was sure to be rewarded if they spent just a little time scanning the SI table, for there were some real gems on show. The BMSS ( British Model Soldier Society ) were also along with a display. The society is one of the longest running clubs in Britain, and must be the original template of a club managing to span the length and width of a country, with members in all counties. They also showed just how versatile their members were with boxed dioramas of flat figures, toy soldiers and vignettes not to mention single figures making up a well rounded display. Of course, The Basement also had a display stand, starting off with a massive ninety-six square foot of space. Models ranged from the massive – a 630mm tall Goddess in Alloy – to the diminutive – several fantasy wargames figures from the likes of Robin Snelson, Mark Taylor and Conrad Mynett and some 1/48th scale military figures from Rob Lane. The Basement’s display didn’t just field these two extremes, but covered all the different scales in between. The heartening thing was seeing the different levels of painters displaying – beginners displaying right alongside some of the best painters and sculptors within the hobby, and all feeling the camaraderie that having similar interests brings. The day was hot – temperatures within the room topping 28 degrees, not helped by poor ventilation - but no-one seemed to mind too much, and there seemed to be plenty of opportunity to stand and chat outside on balconies; or to take a trip into the Maelstrom shop downstairs – which was somewhat cooler. On behalf of the team at The Basement who organised the event, I’d like to thank all who came along to the show – demonstrators, clubs and individuals who displayed their models and also the traders for their involvement in making this a great day. The atmosphere was really good, with people chatting in groups all day, making new friendships and renewing old ones – what could possibly be better ? I suppose the question on a lot of people’s lips is “Will there be another Figureworld next year ?” Well, that’s already being discussed, but you’ll just have to keep an eye on The Basement forum and see what’s posted there when something’s decided. The galleries here let you see just some of the models that were on display from the various groups and individuals that came to the show. There’s a vast array of subject and interest within the 800 or so pictures, including shots of the room from set-up on the Friday, through to it being populated on the Saturday. To completely mangle a Groucho Marx line – “I’ve had a good day……actually, this was it !” Adrian