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03/31/2005: The Thorne Rooms
When ever I go to the Art Institute I HAVE to visit The Thorne Rooms. Visit these other sites about these exhibits here and here. These miniature creations are marvels of perfection - giving the illusion one could almost "step inside" and take up a chair within these tiny worlds, or pick up a book and start reading.
The Miniatures - see pictures at this link ThorneRm.wmv (3552k file) - were commissioned by Mrs. Thorne and made by Eugene Kupjack (d.1991).
Now his sons, Hank and Jay have contiunued with their father's business. Hank supervises and oversees the actual production of the small pieces of furnishings and mini-crafted items that go into making these creations, while Jay works on doing all the studio photography of these mini-artworks. They also refurbish and maintain the originals at the museum, and make new pieces for private collectors.
Hank & Jay are also personal friends of mine, who are part of the Park Ridge Gang of Friends. And I've been to their workshop in Park Ridge, though it was a few years ago, to see how they do some of their "creation" stuff. It's quite interesting to see the making of these tiny household pieces. So enjoy these few shots we took inside the Art Institute Museum Thorne Room Collection --and stop by to see them yourself when next you're in Chicago.
For those interested in other miniatures: There is also the Colleen Moore's "Fairy Castle" at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Karen on 03.31.05 @ 07:51 AM CST
