Match models to fire imagination
Matchstick models of two of the Black Country's most treasured buildings have come to light, 50 years after they were created.
The miniature replicas of Haden Hill House, in Barrs Road, Cradley Heath, and Holy Trinity Church, in Old Hill, were discovered by Shirley and Ronald Smith when they cleared a relative's house.
The couple, from Iverley, in Stourbridge, believe the intricate models were part of a wedding present to Shirley's aunt, Clarice Tyler, from a Mr S Shepherd, and had been stored away for decades. But they have no information except the two models and an old photograph of a proud Mr Shepherd holding aloft his model church outside the life-size original in Halesowen Road.
The mini-masterpieces are set to go on display at Haden Hill House in the near future.
"We came across them and we didn't know what to do with them," said Mr Smith, aged 75.
"Clarice never wanted to let them go, they are too good to be put away.
"We thought that rather than keep them ourselves, they would be of more interest to the community."
The artist has included many of the buildings' most intricate details, from the crafted window frames to the chimneys and entranceways.
Mr Smith, a retired engineer, added: "They really are quite lovely to look at. We don't know who Mr Shepherd was but my wife's aunt got married at Holy Trinity Church around 60 years ago and we think it might have been a present."
The models, found last month, are now in the possession of Dave Waring, collections manager for Sandwell museums, and it is hoped they will go on display within the next few weeks.
Mr Waring said: "When they were brought in I thought they were fantastic. They are really quite good.
"Someone has obviously taken a lot of time and care over these and as one of the models is of Haden Hill I think this is a good place for them to be."
