markturpin.comMark Turpin's Garden Pavilion was inspired by the controversial addition of a glass pyramid to the courtyard of the Louvre in Paris during the 1980s. Architect I.M. Pei studied classical French landscape design before adding this simple geometric shape to the courtyard of the ancient buildings. The blend of modern and classical styles seems ideal for a museum that houses artwork spanning numerous centuries.
Within this miniature structure, behind French doors is a hall of mirrors, flooded with light during the day, each night reflecting the gorgeous chandelier handmade by Phyllis Tucker. James Carrington created the lovely figure and haute couture gown. She stands holding a mirror, surrounded by mirrors, lost in self-congratulation. Yet, the eye is not satisfied. Indeed, all is vanity.
Outside the pavilion, corner spaces are ready to landscape, and there are twelve decorative urns. The exterior walls are painted in faux stone using ten colors, and the pyramid structure is painted blackened bronze, to complement the black-framed doors and patterned marble floor within. The mirrored walls seem to extend forever in all directions.
Construction: birch plywood, solid pine, basswood, glass, acrylic, paint.
Overall Dimensions: 20" square base x 25" high; 1:12 scale. Sold.
Garden Pavilion was featured in the March 2007 issue of Dollhouse and Miniature Scene magazine, and in the June 2007 issue of American Miniaturist magazine.
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