2009/81/1

Bluebell Farm,

Lilliput Lane Ltd. (Manufacturer)

This is a hand-painted plaster model of a country cottage, manufactured by Lilliput Lane Ltd 1996–1999. Each Lilliput Lane model is carefully researched, reflecting the vernacular style and materials associated with different parts of the country, and is often based on a real building. This model, number L2013, is entitled ‘Bluebell Farm’ and is based on Tang House Farm in High Birstwith, North Yorkshire. The model comes in a box and is accompanied by a leaflet and a ‘deeds’ certificate.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Description: Hand-painted plaster model, ‘Bluebell Farm’ by Lilliput Lane Ltd. Product no. L2013 in production from 1996–99. // Label with serial no. on base of model. // Together with original box which has a colour picture and the Lilliput Lane logo on on all four sides. // And an explanatory leaflet. // Dimensions: // Associated information: Purchased as part of the Collecting 20thc Rural Culture project. // Lilliput Lane was the creation in 1982 of artist/modeller David Tate. Bluebell Farm is based on Tang House Farm at High Birstwith in North Yorkshire. // References: Deborah Scott ‘The Cottages of Lilliput Lane’, 1991.’, Collecting 20thc Rural Culture blog [Wednesday, 23 December 2009] – ‘Bluebell Farm, 1996 // This is L2013, Bluebell Farm, in the Lilliput Lane collection of country cottages which was available from 1996-99. Lilliput Lane Ltd was the creation of David Tate (1945–) who combined his natural artistic talents with practical production skills picked up in the army and a passion for vernacular architecture to launch in 1982 a company devoted to making detailed models of country cottages for general sale. // It started as a small family business based in the outbuildings of a Georgian mansion just outside Penrith. Fourteen models were initially on offer but thereafter the number rapidly increased as the popularity of the range grew. // Each one was very carefully researched and packed with detail to reflect the vernacular style and materials traditonally used in different parts of the country. Often, the models are based on a real building, in this case Tang House Farm at High Birstwith in North Yorkshire (photo below by Claire Scott) // Using moulds made from a hand-crafted master, the models are cast in Amorphite plaster and then painted by hand. The Lilliput range has been highly successful worldwide with its most ardent followers to be found amongst the 50,000 strong Collectors Club. It has turned the rural heritage into marketable form with mass appeal.’

Penrith

1996 - 1999

Model, Cottage