Stafford Allpress: Old School

A lifelong interest in miniatures along with a background in prop making and set design work has led Stafford Allpress into sculpture; in particular, miniature scale sculpture. He crafts miniature environments from raw materials. These are generally unoccupied rooms based on actual interiors. A meticulous treatment of surface and the careful construction and placement of mundane objects make for hauntingly familiar scenes.

Among Allpress’ recent works are a collection of miniature renderings of derelict playgrounds he has found in the environs of South Canterbury. Each sculpture is a peculiarly personal object designed to draw the viewer into an intimate, concentrated world which is staggering in its execution and heartbreaking in its familiarity.

Stafford Allpress was props master for the Auckland Theatre company between 2002 and 2004, and worked as a prop maker and set designer for various television and theatre projects in Christchurch between 1999 and 2001. He is currently based in Geraldine in South Canterbury.