Stone wall models made in miniature
Stone wall models made in miniature
TREVOR Dixon is an expert at building stone walls. In fact, hes been building and repairing the walls on his County Durham farm all his life.
And semi-retirement does not mean he has given up his craft altogether, he has just scaled things down so he can work in the comfort of his farmhouse while he builds the walls – in miniature.
Trevor began making the walls from the local Teesdale sandstone nine years ago, mounting them on a stone base and adding plaster animals and tiny wooden gates to create the country scenes which are familiar throughout the region.
The models attracted interest and soon orders were coming in for birthday presents and wedding anniversary gifts. What started out as a hobby has gradually expanded and he now spends a large part of the year attending country shows and fairs. Prices start at £15 and the models are very popular with foreign visitors, many of whom have never seen a stone wall before.
"The Americans and Australians in particular are fascinated and they cannot believe the craftsmanship which goes into a stone wall," says Trevor. "Lots of them buy the models to show people back home."
Trevors business, Dalestone Crafts, is based at his birthplace at East House farm, Barnard Castle. The family have bred pedigree Swaledale sheep since 1936 and also kept Blue-faced Leicesters and Charolais cattle until the farms 750 head of livestock were culled as a dangerous contact case during the foot-and-mouth crisis.
The fields at East House are now in the process of being restocked but Trevor is happy to let his son, Phillip, take more responsibility for the farm. Meanwhile, he is content to spend his time on his craft work and prepare for a full round of shows and fairs this summer.
Wendy Owen