T H E L I B R A R Y
h a n d m a d e m i n i a t u r e p r o j e c t
h a n d m a d e m i n i a t u r e p r o j e c t
It started as an idea for a movie, and is going to become one. This post is about the journey towards that.
As a props and set designer often choosing to build miniatures, I decided to reverse-design this movie and start the process from my end instead. I begun planning my first set where the main feature would play out its role, namely books. Lots of books...
As a props and set designer often choosing to build miniatures, I decided to reverse-design this movie and start the process from my end instead. I begun planning my first set where the main feature would play out its role, namely books. Lots of books...
![set design library books production design hand made fantasy filmmaking scenography Miniature concept art](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/df9702185330023.6561dcd1e03ba.jpg)
The first, hasty 'test' made on my cellar floor gave me motivation to continue the vision. All copyrights © Tomas Mayer
An important part in my scenic work is that I strive to reuse scraps and junk as much as possible. A lot of useful materials are still being wasted in the movie branch and it always bothered me. Having a special love for paper as a medium seeing loads being wasted I have a hard time letting it go. Also carrying an unexplained love for old books since I remember, they have always seemed inspirited to me. Beyond the content in words they carry.
But there is also another even deeper meta-meaning for me:
Paper is an ensouled medium. Any sheet of paper could carry life-, or world changing sentences in words or image. However, while some sheet of paper is lucky to carry – let's say– a Constitution, some other end up in the paper bin and the sewer after some wiping. It's like with the fate of people I suppose…
In this project I am giving these crashed destinies a second chance – by letting them play an important part in this gigantic Library.
![set design library books production design hand made fantasy filmmaking scenography Miniature concept art](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/max_1200/658b30185330023.65821574076c0.png)
The experimental beginnings were a book took way too long to make. Though that is often the most pleasant meditative work!
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/2f21eb185330023.6561dcd25ae32.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/30b7f6185330023.6561dcd25e05c.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/bbc388185330023.6561dcd261116.jpg)
Sometimes the craftsman ambition overcame 'prop makers goal' which is to finish fast, and I started making real little books...
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/acc25c185330023.6561dcd2e71ef.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/5c28b5185330023.6561dcd2e17e5.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/96dfa0185330023.6561dcd2e4938.jpg)
In general I work in three different scales. For this I chose 1/6 to better allow possible future closeups.
The process would obviously be: Content –> Shelves –> Library
1/ Content – loads of books, scrolls, boxes, jars etc in all forms;
2/ Shelves – actually, a variation of bookkeeping systems like shelves, piles of books and crates;
3/ The Library as a designed space with the above arranged in an appealing way for the camera.
![set design library books production design hand made fantasy filmmaking scenography Miniature concept art](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/max_1200/0b4b05185330023.6582157406a5e.png)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/247ba7185330023.6561dcd3ca0d3.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/e845e2185330023.6561dcd3cc9c7.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/2272b7185330023.6561dcd3cf269.jpg)
My ateljé during a WIP photo shooting for Instagram. Desktop: Though work is systematised every book is unique...
![set design library books production design hand made fantasy filmmaking scenography Miniature concept art](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/max_1200/7d1c89185330023.6561dcd1e2e3c.jpg)
Whenever a shelf and a greater batch of books is ready, it is time for the best part – dressing the shelf.
That, together with painting and patina is up to this phase the most rewarding moment.
Below a few examples of shelves – some ready and some still in the making.
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/6b00cb185330023.6561dcd52326d.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/00c235185330023.6561dcd526b16.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/3a5cce185330023.6561dcd529bec.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/81160a185330023.6561dcd52cf8a.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/d0d648185330023.6561dcd5c4a1f.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/cab81d185330023.6561dcd5be227.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/5ef033185330023.6561dcd5c1803.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/929e51185330023.6561dcd5c7b51.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/270158185330023.6561dcd663aab.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/4a8257185330023.6561dcd660a76.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/3f6520185330023.6561dcd65a212.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/23ec92185330023.6561dcd65d67a.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/fc24d1185330023.6561dcd4704d0.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/0cbad3185330023.6561dcd473bad.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/ecc8cf185330023.6561dcd46e898.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp_webp/9deff4185330023.6561dcd708c68.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/a6e33f185330023.6561dcd70e959.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/5e7004185330023.6561dcd70b722.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/640ba8185330023.6561dcd711717.jpg)
![](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/8da289185330023.6561dcd7075bf.jpg)
An early sketch from over 25 years ago --------------------------------------------> and after the idea to start making it real.
Follow me as the Library grows!
Support by pressing the Appreciate button... :)