WOW! Stunning Handmade 3D Architectural Models of Famous Buildings by Chisel & Mouse

Combining traditional techniques (the chisel) and modern innovation (the mouse) to sculpt their 100+ models from 8+ countries, Chisel & Mouse is on a mission to model the world’s most iconic buildings and cities.

Brothers Robert and Gavin Paisley have been casting and handcrafting exact physical representations of architectural landmarks and cityscapes since 2011.

This UK-based company is continually expanding their collections, celebrating the beauty of our industrialised world.

Chisel & Mouse is trying to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling their materials. Where possible, they source packaging and modelling material from sustainable and local suppliers. They also sponsor and support local green initiatives and youth football teams.

TEST REPORT

WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE?

The fact that all models are sustainably handmade and combine my love for travel and great design already sounded like music to my ears, but when I spotted the Centre Point tower, the building that Nick worked on redesigning when we lived in London, the bells really started ringing.

In London, you can find Centre Point next to the tube station of Tottenham Court Road. It’s hard to miss! This 34-storey Brutalist tower made of concrete and glass was one of the first skyscrapers in London when it was build between 1963 to 1966 and has been a Grade II listed building since 1995.

The building was designed by George Marsh of the architects R. Seifert and Partners, and in 2015 work began on conversion of the former office building to residential flats. Conran and Partners, Nick’s office, was assigned for the refurbishment of the tower, which finished in March 2018.

The Centre Point model by Chisel & Mouse can be found in their their back catalog and is 28 cm high (11.02″), 10 cm wide (3.94″) and 6 cm deep (2.36″).

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Chisel & Mouse has four different categories of products: model buildings, cityscapes, poparc and limited edition models. Each piece is handmade, signed and dated.

1) MODEL BUILDINGS

These architectural sculptures for the home are inspired by iconic architecture from around the world.

In this range, you will find iconic buildings such as:

• Helsinki Central Station, Eliel Saarinen, 1914 (Finland)
• Pantheon, 126 AD (Italy)
• Bauhaus Dessau, Walter Gropius, 1925 (Germany)
• Hillhouse, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1904 (Scotland)
• Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut, Le Corbusier, 1955 (France)
• Moller House, Adolf Loos, 1928 (Austria)

Some of the popular UK-models include Battersea Power Station, the Glasgow School of Art and the Oxo Tower. There are also limited edition sculptures from icons in London available, such as Kensington Palace, as well as miniatures, such as the Arsenal Stadium.

As I mentioned, in their back catalog you can find Centre Point tower in London, but also Somerset House and the Whitechapel Art Gallery, among others.

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2) CITYSCAPES

Based on data accurate to the nearest metre, these 3D maps show the fascinating layout and development of cities. Handmade to order, these precise, signed and dated sculptures can be hung on a wall or placed on a table or desk.

You can choose from a wide variety of cities at various scales, some with metal etched waterways. Their blue river series add a splash of colour to the model and their terrainscape series (for example of Mont Blanc in France) are another unique piece of art.

Each model measures 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 inch) and encapsulate an area of 1.5 x 1.5 km. They get delivered complete with a removable acrylic cover.

There are also large cityscapes available at 70 x 70 cm (27.6 x 27.6 inch), produced in resin and delivered in a wooden frame.

How about a cityscape of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dallas, Florence, Las Vegas, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, Singapore, Stockholm, Utrecht, Venice, Washington DC or Zurich?

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3) POPARC

These A4-sized wall hangings feature a plaster frame and are backed with your choice of seven vibrant colours.

You can choose from several buildings from Brutalist Britain and some some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Centre Point, Westminster Abbey and Oxo Tower.

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4) LIMITED EDITION + BESPOKE

There are a number of limited edition handmade models and miniature minis available from the website.

Chisel & Mouse also has a bespoke service, which is the perfect solution for people who are looking for architectural models of a specific building, a private residence or a much loved city.

They can work from satellite data, architect’s drawings, photos and sketches.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

The ‘recipe’ to the detailed models of Chisel & Mouse is the combination of modern and traditional techniques. They sculpt the models in plaster, after which detail is added with metal etching.

Jesmonite is used to produce the majority of the product range. This is a long lasting, durable, eco-friendly and sustainable plaster material.

It is made from gypsum (an abundant natural mineral that is easy to mine) and then mixed with a water based acrylic liquid. This is a plastic which does not decomposes, but is durable and guarantees the product has a long life.

All items from the different collections are handmake, signed and dated to order.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

I was surprised to feel the weight of the building, at about 2 kg (4.4 lb), you can tell the high quality of the materials used.

Because our chosen building has so many windows on the facade, you can really feel how all the details are carved into the model. So satisfying!

The back of the model is lined with a soft, velvet-like fabric, making it feel super luxurious.

WHAT DOES IT SMELL LIKE?

With the Centre Point model shining in our living room, I couldn’t help but browse the Chisel & Mouse website – and let me tell you: it definitely smells like I might get more models in the future!

TEST RESULTS

APPROVED!

Every piece in the Chisel & Mouse collection is a finely balanced sculpture and a remarkably faithful impression of an iconic building or world city.

I am so happy with the Centre Point model as a remaining memory of our time in London, and Nick also thought the model was very well detailed and made. I’ll take it from the trained eye of an architect to approve this product review!

Style: 10/10
Features: 9/10
Comfort: N/A
Quality: 10/10
Practical Use: N/A
Value for Money: 9/10

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