This is an unmade paper model of Big Ben, made in Latvia by Paperlandmarks. It is part of the Robert Freidus collection of paper models, donated to the museum. So, if you’re ready to have a go at some complex yet therapeutic paper craft yourself, let’s explore what’s included in the link below.

In 2012 Little Ben was removed once again from its London location and was put into storage whilst the entire area surrounding Victoria Station was being extensively redeveloped. This is an unmade paper model of Big Ben, made in France by L'Instant Durable. It is part of the Robert Freidus collection of paper models, donated to the museum. The rest of the scaffolding and covering will remain in place whilst the rest of the restoration work is being undertaken, and will be removed once that has been completed – and no doubt at which time there will be a more formal re-opening.Now – how many people knew that there London also has a ‘Little Ben’ ???– I certainly wasn’t aware of existence.

The Elizabeth Tower in Westminster, Central London, is located at the northern end of The, next to the river Thames. Anyone visiting the ‘Smoke’ during the past couple of years will be aware that one of the capital’s most globally recognised landmarks ‘Big Ben’ has been scaffolded and boarded up whilst it undergoes 4 years of essential repairs. Model updated in 2022, now with more detail and no overhangs, but just as easy to print. Perfect for Resin!) Whilst up in Westminster ‘Shoes’ decided to wander down the road to Victoria Station to take a look at an elusive landmark, that I never knew existed until now.

There are many historic traditions associated with paper craft. For example, you may be familiar with origami, a Japanese paper folding discipline, or papel picado, a Mexican folk craft of cutting intricate tissue paper designs. Towards the end of the 20th Century paper modelling became increasingly popular with an adult audience with many kits being designed for a more sophisticated modeller. During this time television tie-ins also started appearing on the market reflecting the emerging trend of media merchandising. More recently with the development of the Internet, models have appeared online and these have been printed and added to the collection. Some of these models are stand alone items, while others can be used with model railways or in fantasy role playing games.

The numerals and hands are enamelled in ‘ Prussian Blue’ as original to the Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) Gothic Revival design and is crowned with a framed spire. The oak plinth with gilded mouldings features a hand painted plaque bearing the crowned portcullis device of the Houses of Parliament. English, circa 1900. From a personal perspective I couldn’t work out why I had never noticed it before – bearing in mind that I used to take some my Barclays work colleagues from Canary Wharf, up to Victoria once or twice a year, to do a volunteering stint in the ‘real world’ where we used to serve up breakfasts for the homeless at ‘The Passage’, a huge charity organisation that offer support to the homeless on the streets of Westminster – and we never once ever noticed ‘Little Ben’.The restoration work on Big Ben is expected to last 4 years and is intended to be completed sometime next year (2021). However – the work has continued to progress and last week saw the removal of some of the scaffolding revealing the very top of the Tower, where 3,433 cast iron roof tiles had been removed, repaired and cleaned up, by restoration specialists. Sarah has written a step-by-step guide to bringing Big Ben to life through paper. Alongside the instructions is a template showing you every piece of the puzzle, from large panels to build the structure, to tiny cut-out diamonds to decorate the façade. In 1964it was removed from its location whilst the roads around Victoria Station were being widened.