Although it was a depleted group which met in August, due to so many of the non-Spanish members being away in their own countries until the heat passes, nevertheless everybody who came along had a great time. We were treated to a visit from some of our friends from Madrid, who can’t always come along during the rest of the year, and one lady in particular was a very special guest indeed.
Mª Ángeles Benítez is one of Spain’s most versatile and capable makers of twelfth scale miniatures, and over the years has been a goldmine of information, inspiration and help to us all. Her exquisite pieces are sold exclusively from Madrid and Santa Pola, and her range is simply amazing. There are fluffy teddies, Fimo teddies, chinese figurines and statuettes, lidded baskets and catch-alls for the dressing table (all lined and hand-embroidered) all sorts of embroidery such as cushions and bolsters, curtains and bed linen, wigs and clothing, shoes and slippers, glittering fans and handbags, hand-painted jewellery boxes with, wait for it, gorgeous sets of necklaces and earrings within. There are shopping bags and shoe boxes, tiny books with readable text in superb detail, picnic tables and chairs with co-ordinating cushions, weeny dolls with winsome and classic faces, all dressed with antique fabrics, and tiny mice with articulated limbs.
We all had a marvellous time as she gave us a lightning tour around a delightful selection of her pieces, but for me the two loveliest articles were an art nouveau set of bedroom furniture in shades of blue and cream, and a lace-making box, decorated with tiny hand-painted flowers all over and which actually functions, the piece of lacework on the roller having been made on it, all of which can be seen at the museum in Santa Pola which is where the group meets each month. Mª Ángeles is passing on her knowledge to her daughter, also named Mª Ángeles, and it seems very much as though the talent runs through the family! Our grateful thanks to them for a wonderful afternoon. There wasn’t much time left after their talk, but we also managed to review a number of new text books, and install a simple lighting system in a children’s play house. A day to remember for sure! Next meeting: September 9. Everybody welcome. Call 96 541 54 10 for more details.