American Classical Models and Miniatures

ABOUT A highly detailed diorama titled "Christmas Morning" featuring a French living room scene during Christmas morning. Almost every piece of molding, furniture, rugs, and accessory items that are contained in the room is designed and created by hand. Original signed tag on the back. Comes with two booklets by Mrs. James Ward Thorne (Narcissa Ward), an original photograph signed by the artist and newspaper clippings. CREATOR Narcissa Ward aka Mrs. James Ward Thorne. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1933-1942. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Glass, Fabric, Metal, Paper. CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. DIMENSIONS H 11.25 in. W 13.75 in. D 7.75 in. HISTORY Mrs. James Ward Thorne of Chicago loved dollhouses and miniatures as a child. After traveling in Europe where she collected miniature furniture and accessories, Mrs. Thorne commissioned over two dozen miniature rooms created by cabinetmakers from her own drawings. The scale is: one inch to one foot. The rooms were exhibited in the 1933-1934 Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition, the 1939 San Francisco's Golden Gate International Exposition, and in the 1940 New York World's Fair. Later, Mrs. Thorne had 29 more rooms created, copying Europe's castles, museums and historic homes. She commissioned architects to create historically accurate settings and had the textiles and carpets made by the Needlework Guild of Chicago. The rooms showing the French and English architectural and decorating styles from the 1500's to the 1920's, were exhibited in 1937 at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1942 Mrs. Thorne gave 37 more Miniature Rooms to the Art Institute of Chicago. Those rooms offered views of American history between 1875 and 1940. The Art Institute of Chicago's Thorne Miniature...

An early 19th century mahogany tilt-top tripod table Mini, salesman or example sample. With tilt-top, tripod base.

A vintage cast iron doorstop showing a geranium plant set inside a woven checkered flower pot on an iron plinth. Retaining the original painted finish. Beautiful patina. Circa 1930 ...

An impressive and unusual 19th century cased ship diorama displaying four ships at sea. A four masted schooner sets the background with a tug boat, two masted vessel and a steamship ...

Beautiful model sailboat or yacht created from wood, brass, and canvas. The body is painted in a deep blue at the bottom with white edges. A brass propeller sits underneath. All on a...

Finely made three masted ship model (1/8” inch =1 ‘ Scale) with carved wood details and painted with string details. Includes Masthead Sculpture, two Anchor...

Carved Wood Model of a Locomotive showcased in a glazed and painted wood case. This intricately crafted piece captures the essence of a locomotive with stunning attention to detail. ...

Genito-Urinary Anatomical Chart by Fritz Frohse. Dated 1922. Paper mounted on canvas. Shows wear but still presents very well!