For the final stage of the project, model-making and set assemblage became a priority. We worked through the 'To-do' list as follows:
To-do list
1. - Explore, screenshot and measure images of the Newstead Abbey ground-floor piano room using the 3d Virtual Tour found online
This was completed and used as a resource when constructing the floor plan of the installation.
2. - Create concept art of the finalised composition
This was completed by Erin Spavins, as seen below.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8bbf2_cb61af64743a4a16848046a5783303a8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_527,h_293,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8bbf2_cb61af64743a4a16848046a5783303a8~mv2.png)
3. - Potentially complete a small sketch-up model of the room with added set dec components
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8bbf2_0614ae5583e843549e1ebef1048d6d93~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_575,h_247,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8bbf2_0614ae5583e843549e1ebef1048d6d93~mv2.png)
*- Finish hat models
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8bbf2_61fbce0cc4564330ac3be9bd75bf440e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_242,h_259,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8bbf2_61fbce0cc4564330ac3be9bd75bf440e~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8bbf2_d728e83832ff46a79177d66651c61785~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_280,h_291,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8bbf2_d728e83832ff46a79177d66651c61785~mv2.png)
*- Photograph assemblages on a covered surface
- Stain the purchased lace cover with coffee for a vintage look
We did not proceed with this, though on reflection staining white objects to a creamier 'screen white' would have been more aesthetically cohesive.
*- Source teacups for the installation
In the end, this was not necessary as our set decoration was space-filling and explanatory of the Mad Hatter even without the tea party motif
*- Source/create fabric rolls
We created fabric rolls out of fabric scraps and waste cardstock tubes, placed within a wicker basket.
*- Source/create fabric rolls box
We sourced many wicker baskets for the final container, settling eventually on a long narrow circular basket.
- Create Mad Hatter 'Make-your-own Hat' colouring/craft pages
Due to the small space allocated, this was neither possible nor necessary.
*- 'Toddler-proof' compositions
This was achieved by using '2D Tools' rather than 3D, sharp objects. This also aesthetically allowed us to merge dreams and reality. In addition, a cordoning rope and various 'DO NOT TOUCH' signs were placed around the installation.
Model Making / project finalisation
Grace and Laini spearheaded hat-based modelmaking, whilst Erin and I focused on 2D tools and other mountboard graphical elements.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8bbf2_f0eeab4e02314a53a71183b5f99783a3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_431,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8bbf2_f0eeab4e02314a53a71183b5f99783a3~mv2.png)
We also upholstered a bent-wood chair with scrap fabric in order for it to tie in with the colour palette.
Final installation and reflection
Overall, the installation at Newstead Abbey was a success. There were many elements which were however removed or changed due to the size discrepancies and colour palette, particularly white fabric or reflective crockery. These are as follows:
- White crockery (sans large oval plate)
- White lace
- Mannequin (the deteriorated aesthetic did not cohesively fit with the rest of the scene)
- Flower fairy lights
- Some hats (more modernised hats in particular)
If I were to complete an installation like this in the future, I would focus greatly on different compositions as well as the textural effects of each item within a scene and whether or not they flowed with one another. I would also explore the '2D Tools' concept to a greater degree.
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