It was while looking for design inspiration for Gunners Town’s sister website The Highbury Library that I came across Sussex-based architectural sculptors Chisel & Mouse.
Brothers Robert and Gavin Paisley decided that they had had enough of developing back-office systems software. They wanted to be more creative – make something with their hands – and thus a highly successful architectural-model-building business was born. With a meticulous eye for detail, and using traditional plaster (chisel) and modern CAD (mouse) techniques – they have made sculptural replicas of many famous buildings and landmarks.
Each of their architectural sculptures is handmade in their studio in Sussex, England, on the edge of the Ashdown forest. They are made of strong plaster that has a reassuring weight and smooth, cool feel. The window frames and door are made of etched brass. Stylish ornaments, gifts or presents that are handmade in Britain and look fabulous on a desk, shelf or wall.
I used photos of their Arsenal Stadium model to create the branding for The Highbury Library (see below) and decided to contact the brothers to see if I could help promote sales of their magnificent work in return…
I was blown away by their response! They offered to send me two sculptures – one for my mantelpiece and another to be offered as a competition prize. Extremely generous of them! Not only that – but they offered Gunners Town readers a 15% discount on their Arsenal Stadium models.
If ever there was a perfect Christmas gift for a Gooner, this is it.
Whilst I was visiting London (from South Africa) for the Red Star Belgrade home game, my sculpture arrived in its FedEx box; the first thing that struck me was its weight. This was no flimsy plaster-cast model. And once I had opened it and removed it from its packaging, I fell in love with it. It was – in a word- breathtaking. My photos below:
Standing 25cm high and weighing in at 2.2kg – the sculpture was bigger and more solid than I had imagined. The perfectly-chiseled lines in the white plaster and the sharp metal etchings created a delicate symphony of subtle greys – shadow and light. It was clear that this was the work of master craftsmen. Their attention to detail was astounding.
Whether free-standing on a mantelpiece or table, or mounted on a wall – the sculpture is an eye-catching conversation piece. All the Gooners I showed it to were struck by its elegance and beauty. I was sorely tempted to carry it home with me to South Africa – but I figured that Chisel & Mouse, and this beautiful work of art, would get more attention if it was put in a place where discerning Arsenal fans gather – week in, week out.
What better place then, than The Tollington, where owners Martin and Louise already support Gooner authors such as our very own Dave Seager and Arseblog, with signed books available over the counter.
Having already gifted The Tollington a beautiful clock replica from SheWore, I decided to donate my Highbury facade to my home away from home in London. Needless to say, the owners were more than happy to add it to their growing collection of Arsenal memorabilia:
Each piece is signed and numbered, making it a collector’s piece. I have no doubt that it would bring joy to every Gooner household. It is a unique, classy gift and I would strongly urge you to check out the Chisel & Mouse website, and these Highbury replicas in particular.
Pieces are made to order, and delivered free within 5 working days. Gift card and wrapping offered for a small fee.
You can get the Regular sized Arsenal Stadium East Facade for £150 £127.50.
You can get a Mini sized Arsenal Stadium East Facade (16cm high, 0.75kg) for £100 £85.00.
Enter the coupon code “GunnersTown” (no ” ” or spaces) at checkout to get the 15% discount
Please share this article with fellow Arsenal- (and Highbury-) lovers.
Thanks again to Chisel & Mouse for your generosity.
I was eleven-and-a-half. My family had just emigrated from Rhodesia to South Africa. All the kids on my street supported United or Liverpool, because of their Southern African goalkeeper connections: Bailey for United and Grobbelaar for ‘Pool. Problem was: I didn’t like the colour red – so when FA Cup Final day came around in 1979, I supported the team in yellow, even though their name sounded like “Asshole”. At the final whistle, I had bragging rights and a team that had won my heart.
Then I discovered that the Gunners also wore red. Luckily, I remained loyal, and the Arsenal has kicked my heart around ever since… (apart from a few lost years in the ’90s and early ’00s, when I was busy doing grownup things as a composer in Hollywood).
Abandoned invinciblog.com to launch this site with 1 Nil Down 2 One Up blogfather Dave Seager – and we have used this platform to help launch the writing careers of a number of amazing Arsenal bloggers.
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