The Victorian Model Workshop has been based at The Ferrers Centre since the beginning. After completing a degree in 3D Design in Brighton, Chris opened the workshop in 1990 creating one-off mechanical figures and automatons for commercial customers and private collectors. His wife Angela joined the business a few years later and together they continue to craft unique, bespoke animated figures. Originally from a tiny workspace on the upper floor of The Ferrers Centre and then a couple of years later from a slightly larger shop (that is now occupied by Staunton Deli) they moved into the current workshop in 2001.
Chris is responsible for the design and construction of the moving models and mechanisms whilst Angela does much of the painting. Using traditional mechanical principles – cams, levers, gears, pulleys and linkages – the mechanisms are hand made in the workshop in the same way as the original Victorian automatons. The only real difference is that today electric motors are used to drive the models, rather than clockwork. Once the mechanism is working the figures are then sculpted by Chris and plussed with glass eyes, fabrics or fur to bring the creature or figure to life. The workshop is open to the public so visitors can see these mechanisms and figures under various stages of construction – something not usually seen by anyone – and Chris is happy to explain the process.
Pretty much everything built in the shop is commissioned so there’s always something new being painstakingly put together for a shop window, museum, visitor centre or stage production.
Such is the demand for these unique hand made pieces that, inevitably, there is always a waiting list. Chris and Angela also exhibit their work at various shows and events around the country.

Look at some of the models we have built.