Microscopic art to go on show at Jewellery Quarter museum
A selection of new micro-sculptures by internationally renowned artist Willard Wigan are set to go on display at Museum of Jewellery Quarter next month.
Willard Wigan MBE: In The Eye of The Needle will showcase twenty-one miniature works from Willard Wigan’s collection which sit within the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin. The exhibition will take place from Friday August 3 until Saturday October 28, 2017.
Many of the artworks have never been seen in Birmingham before, including the world’s smallest Pair of glasses on a pin head, Hatty Mcdaniels from Gone with the Wind, and Fred Hammond, the Grammy Award Winning Gospel Singer.
The micro sculptor, who was born in Wolverhampton, is famous for sculpting the world’s smallest works of art, and has been celebrated in the Guinness Book of World records, as well as being awarded an MBE for services to art in 2007.
Inspired to capture the attention and awe of his subject matter in the smallest and most microscopic of detail, Wigan aims to create a microscopic world that entices people to look closer.
Wigan has gained international acclaim as his works have fascinated viewers around the world. As recognition of his success he was commissioned to replicate the Coronation Crown in celebration of HRH Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. The artwork is now housed at Buckingham Palace.
Willard Wigan said: “I’m delighted to be bringing my work back to Birmingham at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
“Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is very special to me as so many people in the area, including Kenny Broadhurst of Mr Chain, Mike Meeks of Meek’s and Daz and his colleagues at Walshes Jewellery Supplies, have supported me throughout my career and generously supplied me with tools that I’ve adapted and materials which have been invaluable in assisting me with my work.”
Alongside the new pieces, visitors will be able to see some of Wigan’s most popular sculptures which include “Evolution (from ape to man)”, “The Last Supper”, “Christ the Redeemer”, “Gold Galleon on a pinhead” and the Guinness World Record holding sculpture “Golden Voyage”, a motorbike carved from specs of gold inside a hollowed out human hair.
Oliver Buckley, museum manager heritage sites at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are so excited to be showcasing Willard Wigan’s fascinating work at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, especially the new pieces, never seen in Birmingham before.
“Willard’s work shows true dedication to his craft and we can’t wait for the people of Birmingham to get up close with these mesmerising miniature artworks.
“We continue to celebrate the museum’s 25th anniversary this year, offering visitors a unique glimpse of working life in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, and this show is a brilliant way to bring people to the site to experience a tiny exhibition that will have a very big impact.”
Willard Wigan has also designed a bear for The Big Sleuth trail which is on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
