By Tom Paterson
SCALE MODELS take a lot of time and dedication to create – but for one man it is a hobby that has transitioned into a successful business.
Alan Tolfrey has been producing hand-made models since his late teens and after retiring early four years ago he started his own company called Mossley Modelmaker.
Since then, he has turned photographs into more than 100 3D models of building across the country – and even had requests from Italy.
His work includes models of houses, businesses, schools, weddings and events, giving him the opportunity to meet new people and test himself with the wide range of architecture.
Alan said: “With every model it’s a chance to meet someone new and get involved with families if it’s a model of their house and they tell me what they want including.
“Likewise in business, people want to promote certain aspects of their buildings as every single model is different.
“The models I offer are an accurate representation and are made using recycled materials wherever possible.
“These miniature replicas provide an intriguing display – an ideal anniversary, wedding, birthday or leaving gift.”
Local places Alan has captured in his models include the Woolpack Inn in Dobcross and the Church Inn on Stockport Road, and this year he is working on the Old Bell Inn in Delph.
His unique work earned him the honour of finalist in the Innovative Business of the year 2011 category with Tameside Council.
And the piece Alan is most proud of is a six-foot model of Venice’s famous Rilato Bridge and St. Mark’s Square along the Grand Canal, proudly displayed at Italian restaurant IL Vecchio in Manchester.
Alan revealed: “Someone from the restaurant rang me up saying there was a big hole in their dining room about six- feet wide and asked if I could build a model for them.
“So we agreed the terms, I flew over to Venice and took loads of photographs and came back and built it and it is now displayed at their restaurant.”
To find out more about Alan’s models, visit his website: www.mossleymodelmaker.com or email him at mossley.modelmaker@gmail.com
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