Miniatures and Models at Newry Museum

Some of the earlier examples of miniatures date back to Egypt when miniature items of possessions were buried with the dead. They gained popularity in Europe with the introduction of doll houses which began to be massed produced during the industrial revolution and now miniatures are available in a wide variety and with a range of uses. This week the Newry and Mourne Museum has decided to showcase some of the models and miniatures in our collection starting with the miniatures of the Connemara and the Retriever made c.2002 by Frank Maginnis from Kilkeel.

The S.S. Retriever was a small steam collier owned by the Clanrye Steamship Company in Newry. Built in 1897, the Connemara was one of three steamers ordered by the London and Northwestern Railway Company for the Greenore - Holyhead service. On the 3rd November 1916, the two ships collided in a storm at the mouth of Carlingford Lough with the loss of ninety-four lives with only one survivor, James Boyle, a crew member on the Retriever. 

Another miniature in our collection is the model of the Newry Cathedral. The model was made by the Toman family who lived in Francis Street, Newry. It depicts the cathedral as it appeared toward the end of the 19th century, before the transepts, bell tower and sanctuary were added. Gerry Toman was interviewed in January 1959 and recounted that his grandfather, who was a fireplace fitter by day and a pastime marble worker by night, set out to make a marble model of the cathedral. He did not live to see his work completed, and Gerry, who as a young man worked in the local spade mill, took up the task to finish the model. The model measures 76 cm in length and 46 cm wide and 30 cm in height, it is very detailed with a slated roof that lifts off and glazed windows. It was once lighted by battery to show the interior features including miniature seats, altar, gallery and staircases.

The museum also holds a model of the stage of Newry Town Hall, which was made by Mary McKee who designed sets and scenery for the Newry Musical Society productions. Maquettes (a term for a mock up an artist makes of their sculpture), or model sets, were placed in this model stage to test ideas and visualise designs for upcoming performances. A new backdrop had been painted for the model by Anna Savage, an artist who previously worked at Newry and Mourne Museum and depicts a scene from Oklahoma! which was performed by the Newry Musical Society in 1973.

Aside from our models and miniatures the museum also has a sculpture maquette in the collection. It consists of the figure of Patrick Rankin with his bike. It was created by Barry Linnane to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising and Rankin’s determination to be involved that he cycled the 65 miles to Dublin.

The Museum is currently offering free tours of the main exhibition galleries on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling our Education Officer at 0330 137 4422. 

Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. Please call 0330 137 4422 or email museums@nmandd.org for further information.

Visit their website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk