Meet Lee Robinson, the Huddersfield model-maker appearing on BBC One’s The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, presented by Sara Cox
The Marvellous Miniature Workshop is a brand new daytime series from BBC. Presented by Sara Cox, the programme will see a team of expert model-makers bring treasured locations from yesteryear back to life in miniature form.
The bespoke, one-off models will honour precious and heartfelt family tales, acting as diminutive yet compelling glimpses into bygone eras. The models may be minuscule, but the happiness they deliver is enormous.
One of the professional model makers reviving locations, individuals and legendary moments through miniature creations is Lee Robinson. He will be accompanied by fellow specialists Hannah Lemon, Abi Trotman, and Ethan Goodbody.
Lee discovered miniatures when he purchased a model railway set for his children, and commandeered it himself. Discussing the model railway that launched his passion earlier this year, Lee said: “I started to think I could have a go at making some little bits of scenery for it, and I got hooked into it. I went from making something that would do, to trying to make things look as realistic as I could.”
Currently Lee’s primary work involves crafting minuscule flawless replicas of people’s homes, commissioned directly by customers, which he manages alongside his full-time employment. A secondary venture he launched in 2020 whilst furloughed from his day job thanks to a viral tweet, reports the Manchester Evening News.
During the lockdown, Huddersfield’s own Lee decided to construct a model house, pushing himself to see how intricate he could make it. “It was a typical West Yorkshire stone house, based on the ones on a nearby street – but the house doesn’t really exist,” he clarified.
He showcased his masterpiece on Twitter, racking up 85,000 views and numerous requests from individuals wanting him to create miniatures of their own homes. Lee now flaunts his work on his TikTok page, @lnr_models, where he has amassed 48,000 followers by displaying his process and the final results.
Earlier this year, Lee revealed that his hobby has evolved into “a fairly lucrative side business”, with a model home typically costing over £1,000 and taking between “80 and 150 hours over six to eight weeks”.
Lee is set to feature in the third episode of The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, where he will reconstruct a long-lost colliery for a former miner and the community. He announced the news on Instagram: “Finally I can reveal The Marvellous Miniature Workshop is coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer. So fantastic to have been working with the amazingly talented Hannah, Abi and Ethan @hannahlemon_art @tobaccoandregrets and @monstudiosofficial as well as the fab @djsaracox.”
Sara Cox, the presenter, expressed her admiration for Lee and the other model makers who “breathe life” back into places. She shared her excitement about joining the series, saying: “There’s something so magical about things in miniature. I had a doll’s house when I was little, just a little cheap thing, as well as a little tree house that I used to move all the figures around in, so there’s something so beautiful and nostalgic about it.
“I also loved celebrating the artistry of the miniaturists as well; it’s fascinating to see them breathe life back into places that are no longer standing or have fallen into disrepair. As soon as I heard about the series, I knew straight away it was the show for me and that I’d love to be involved.”
The Marvellous Miniature Workshop starts on Monday, December 1 on AT 2pm BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
