If you are embarking on a miniature project for this particular era and stuck for inspiration, you may find the following useful. The books, films, magazines etc. that are listed are ones that I have found particularly useful and can highly recommend. It is by no means a definitive list and I will continue to add to it over time.
CUSTOMER CREATIONS GALLERY
KT Miniatures has its very own Customer Creations Gallery where you will find some inspirational creations based on the 1930s/1940s era that others have made.
BOOKS
*1930s Scrapbook by Robert Opie - Published by New Cavendish Books *Wartime Scrapbook by Robert Opie - Published By New Cavendish Books
Both of these are filled with images of packaging, ephemera, magazines etc on each relevant era. Available from bookshops, Amazon etc.
*The 1930s Home by Greg Stevenson - Published by Shire Books
*1940s House (that accompanied the tv series) by Juliet Gardiner- Published By Channel 4 books. The house in this programme that was aired in 2000 as a tv series, has been reconstructed in the Imperial War Museum (see a video of this house further down page).
*The Wartime House:Home Life In Wartime Britain 1939-1945 by Mike Brown & Carol Harris - Published by The History Press Ltd.
*Thirties & Forties In 1/12th Scale by Jane Harrop- Published by GMC Publications.ries...FABULOUS!
*Army & Navy Store Price List (any from 1930s) - packed with items from the era. Will be pricey but can be found on internet auction sites, old book shops etc.
Many other vintage books are readily availabe in old book shops, charity shops etc. and contain a wealth of useful information for your miniature projects. I am a great fan of old woodworking mannuals.
Old magazines and even old newspapers from the 1930s/40s era can still be found in old book shops, internet auction sites, antique fairs, car boot sales etc. Adverts particularly can be extremely informative.
*Hobbies Magazine - a vintage DIY/craft magazine that came out weekly from the earlier half of the 20th century. Each issue is usually packed with instructions on making toys, household objects plus furniture.
*Handicrafts Magazine - also a vintage DIY/craft magazine that was available from the very early 1900s, with instructions on many household projects and toys.
FILMS, TV PROGRAMMES
Films in general can be an invaluable source on social history, particularly some of the old black and white movies. A selection of my own favourites that I have found useful are listed below.
Film
Mrs Minerva
This Happy Breed
Goodnight Mr Tom
Atonement
Hope & Glory
Many Old War Films such as...... Battle Of Britain
TV
Housewife 49
Goodnight Sweetheart
Dad's Army
Foyles War
1940s House (Channel 4)
Maddisons War
MUSEUMS
Click on museum title for a direct link through to each individual website.
Other than KT Miniatures, there are numerous miniature artisans in the UK who make miniatures suitable for the 1930s/40s era. Listed below are my favourites and of whom I can highly recommend as their work/products are outstanding.
Alternative Proportions - maker of turned resin and exotic woods items including art deco pieces.
Coombe Crafts - character dollmaker, including 1930s/40s figures eg. RAF, army, Fag Ash Lil'.
Elphin Dolls Houses- By George Parker (no website). Builds some of the best 1930s semis/detached houses & bungalows on the market. - Email ElphinDH @ aol.com
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