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If original ideas are the key to prospering in a recession, Alan Tolfrey has the right business model.
The Mossley Modelmaker www.mossleymodelmaker.com – a recent finalist for the “Innovative Business of the Year 2011” in Tameside, Greater Manchester - makes scale models of houses and buildings. It may sound quirky, but they’re proving highly popular as birthday and wedding gifts or as promotions for shops, pubs and other businesses.
Alan explained: “I knew there was a market for someone making models of this type because I’d been busy doing it for 20 years or so as a hobby. After taking early retirement, I decided to transform the idea into a small business.”
“The models I offer are an accurate representation of the building, and are made using recycled materials wherever possible. I take a lot of pictures at the customer’s location and over many hours convert them into workable sections of the building using computer software. Only then can I start making the actual model.”
“Since I set up the business just 18 months ago, I’ve made more than 70 models and often have two months of orders on my books.”
“I chose the name because I wanted to advertise Mossley, which is a wonderful town, known as ‘the land of hills and chip shops’ set in beautiful countryside just bordering on the Pennines and the Peak District. There are lots of businesses here but very few make any mention of Mossley in their name. I’m proud to advertise that name to the world with a truly hand-made product.”
The models have proved so popular that Alan now offers a service where the customer can supply their own pictures (following Alan’s instructions) so that a visit is not necessary. Through this method, he has received orders from London, the Midlands, North East and east of England. The clients who have tried this for themselves have really enjoyed feeling part of the project, helping to produce the model that is their unique surprise gift for a wedding, anniversary or house moving or house warming present.
FROM THE MOSSLEY BROWSER
Mossley Modelmaker - Alan Tolfrey -
Portraits with a Difference!
Based in Greater Manchester, Mossley resident Alan Tolfrey is one of the many thousands of people making a go of a new business! He’s been making models on and off since his late teens. Alan started naturally with model railways and then ditched the trains and concentrated on the buildings and scenery.
Says Alan, “I studied architecture and worked in town planning for a few years. But I always kept an interest in model making as a hobby, when I could find any spare time. I love the challenge to try and capture the character of any building I do.
There’s always a kind of “magic” which suddenly shines up at some stage when I see how the model develops. It could be a wrought iron garden gate, or flowers in a hanging basket for a house, or a sign or detail on a shop or pub frontage”.
People may wonder what Alan makes the models from. The answer is – anything appropriate he can get his hands on! He uses recycled or scrap materials where possible. Says Alan, “My main focus for the models is individual houses, from terrace to detached. How many people have an aerial picture of their house, or even a hand painted portrait? Well, I’ll make a 3D model instead and have now added 3D pictures to my "portfolio". I make models of shops, pubs and business premises too”.
It usually takes Alan around a week to make a model. More information and examples can be found on this website.
Here’s a picture of the detail on one of Alan’s finished models – Wetherspoon’s “The Society Rooms“ in Stalybridge. This is now on display behind the bar inside.
Image: a fifty pence piece highlights how small the chairs are in the model
This shows the chairs he’s been making for the outside. These were made out of fine computer wire, soldered together and fitted with black card for the seat and back. The trees are made from fine TV aerial wire, twined together in varying thicknesses and covered with dried used painted tea leaves.
More tricks and materials are used, but you'll need to ask Alan and see how much he'll give away!
Finalist in the Innovative Business of the year 2011 category with Tameside Council.
I work in the Tameside area of Greater Manchester area generally My area extends to anywhere in West Yorkshire to the east and Cheshire to the west. I'm happy to travel further throughout the UK to carry out and commission work too. Check out the "You take the photographs, I make the model" tab on my website. Contact 07860659939
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