Miniature Society of Cincinnati

2005 Miniature Collector
Creativity Challenge -
"Christmas at Lyonsworth Hall"

This lovely Victorian Christmas scene was created by nine MSC members in response to a “Creativity Challenge” posed by Miniature Collector Magazine. The magazine invited six miniature clubs to participate. The results were judged by public vote at the prestigious Tom Bishop Chicago International Show & Sale held in April in Schaumburg, Illinois. Our "Christmas at Lyonsworth Hall" entry won Second Place.

The challenge consisted of turning an unfinished room box and an odd assortment of ordinary objects into a creative and coherent scene. Each club had about two months to complete it and received the same 13 objects, which could be painted or added to but not cut or dismantled. Look for the following objects in the photos: gold picture frame, fireplace, white half column, crutches, spoon rack, ironing board and iron, picket fence, turkey, ladder, violin, fire hydrant, white wire cart, and bar or counter.

The committee came up with numerous ideas but decided on a Victorian Christmas theme when one member commented that the fire hydrant looked like it could be a plum pudding. The ideas flowed from there! Many items were handmade.

The story:

Lyonsworth Hall has been decorated for a gala holiday party. Servants have set out a roast turkey dinner buffet complete with an assortment of delectable desserts. The beautiful maid, Angelica, is bringing in a trolley laden with fruit punch and beverages. Geoffrey, handsome son of Lord Lyonsworth, has come to surprise Angelica and steal a kiss, and his intentions are most honorable. He playfully holds mistletoe over her head, while his other hand presents a distinctive blue Tiffany box. Romance is in the air on this very special night!