Finch & Fouracre

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Finch & Fouracre undertakes model making and model design work, specialising in commissioned architectural and exhibition models, and producing model kits for retail. The business is built on a foundation of aesthetic, accurate models, whilst working to strict deadlines. As Finch & Fouracre is a small business, every job is given special attention – no model is treated as a “production-line” job.

finch-and-fouracre-12finch-and-fouracre-whisky-bond--5Can you tell us a little bit about how you became interested in model making?

I guess it’s something that’s always been an interest, playing with lego as a kid and growing up with architects for parents. I started working freelance as a modelmaker while I was at art school, when I realised how much I liked being in the workshops, using the machines and crafting things by hand. Also for many people, myself included, there’s something fascinating about seeing things miniaturised, and seeing how much detail can be included at a small scale.

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What is one of the most exciting projects that you have worked on?

I get excited about pretty much every new project! But some of my favourites… The Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland (which was exhibited there in the spring), the model of Loch Gruinart Reserve for the RSPB, and recently I completed a display case containing models showing the process of whisky making. This was a piece that I designed and made; when the salespeople from the distillery can’t take their clients to the distillery, they can take this model to them.

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White elevation model of the Grand Gallery at National Museum of Scotland, 2014 (Image: Franki Finch)

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What made you decide it was time to move from your studio of six years in the Hidden Lane to The Whisky Bond?

The Hidden Lane was a great place to start my business, but I was really running out of space, it was very cold, and the facilities were basic, to say the least! I did enjoy being there though, and met a lot of great people. As soon as I found out about the Whisky Bond it seemed ideal, and so far so good. It’s great to be somewhere with more space, and great facilities and events for tenants, as well as lots of other creative businesses. And I can’t wait to get into the GSS workshops!

house-for-an-art-loverWhat are you working on right now?

I am building a set of large scale houses showing different energy saving measures, such as smart metering, solar panels etc, which will have an interactive element highlighting the features of each home. I designed the models, they are essentially of a doll’s house size, so one of the challenges for me is to make them look contemporary and smart, not twee. 

finch-and-couracre-whisky-bond-9finch-and-fouracre-whisky-bond-4house-for-an-art-loverModel of Garden Pavillion at House for an Art Lover, 2010 (Image: Franki Finch)

What does 2015 hold for Finch & Fouracre?

I have just confirmed that I’m going to be making a model of the Mackintosh Library, for display at the art school while the restoration takes place, so I’m really excited about that. We’ve also lined up another MONUmini – the stainless steel models which fold together – this one of the Royal Albert Hall, as well as releasing the Casa Batllo MONUmini very soon.

finch-and-fouracre-whisky-bond--3 Finch & Fouracre is based in studio 12 on the 5th floor at The Whisky Bond.

Contact Finch & Fouracre

Website: www.finchandfouracre.co.uk
Email: franki@finchandfouracre.co.uk
Phone: 07960 157 063
Twitter: @FrankiFinch