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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

You can read about Thorp's record in the modelmaking section of the 2026 edition of the book, which is out now. This is a fantastic recognition of the company's legacy and the importance of the archive!

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

EXCITING NEWS! Thorp Modelmakers, now owned by Atom, has entered this year's Guinness World Records as the oldest modelmaking firm in the world! The archive was able to provide evidence of the company's origins in 1883, which is still making models 142 years later! #GWR2026

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

A 1977 model made by Thorp for Portakabin. The large scale is demonstrated by the posed onlooker. This image and 1200 more will be available to view on the updated online catalogue later this year.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

Might W refer to Woolworths and MS Marks and Spencer? A lovely 1965 model of a proposed shopping complex in West Hartlepool.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

An interesting architectural contrast with the surrounding buildings in this model of Hamorer's proposed German YMCA (location unknown), made in 1965.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

A very 60s vibe here with Thorp's 1965 model of Aden Airport, made for Cobb, Archer and Gaymer.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended my online talk last night about my latest book. That's the last of my scheduled public talks, but I have several booked in to speak to specialist groups and societies. Do get in touch if you'd like one for your own group!

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Taunton central area redevelopment, as captured in model form by Thorp in this 1965 model for Ian Fraser Associates, a very regular client during this period.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

A model of the redevelopment of central Sunderland made by Thorp for Ian Fraser Associates in 1965.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

The original architectural model of Castle Vale Shopping Centre, made by Thorp in 1965.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Someone was watching North by Northwest before photographing this model perhaps? A stunning view of Thorp's 1965 model of the Phoenix Development designed by Steane, Shipman and Associates.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Another road model today, this time the Hockley Circus flyover on the A41 in Birmingham, made by Thorp in 1968.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

The label suggests this was not actually made by Thorp, perhaps photographed by them in their studio, but a stunning illusion nevertheless, with a model neatly merging with a painted backdrop. The M74 motorway in 1968.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

A very impressive model of the Qadirabad Barrage in Pakistan, made by Thorp in 1968.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

A very unusual commission for Thorp, a interior decoration installation of large landscape models mounted on a wall. Where this was exactly remains unknown. Likely built in the 1950s or early 1960s.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

A very colourful and undated model of a new design for BP-branded petrol stations. The model was made at a larger scale to allow for the use of toy cars.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Spaghetti time! This model of the then proposed Gravelly Hill interchange in Birmingham was made sometime in the early 1960s and used an aerial photograph as its base.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

The very latest in office automation! This lovely model by Thorp is undated, but gives a wonderful impression of the future of work as imagined probably during the 1960s.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

In the archive we also have copies of the drawings of the scheme that Thorp used to design the model. The extent of the redevelopment is clear.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

The Fitzroy Robinson plan involved the demolition of both Liverpool Street and Broad Street stations, with very bare platforms for passengers and a boxy office development at one end.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

This view of Thorp's 1983 model of Fitzroy Robinson's unbuilt proposal for the redevelopment of Liverpool Street station in London highlights the contrast between the Victorian overall roof and the modern office block that would have surrounded it.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

This astonishing model of the new High Altar and Reredos in St Paul's Cathedral was made by Leslie Thorp in 1949. Widely featured in newspapers to announce the rebuilding plans after the cathedral was damaged in WWII, it is truly one of the most impressive models ever made.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

For the enormous 1930 model of Charing Cross, John Thorp drew all the elevations of the buildings that needed to be made. In the archive we have a huge number of these detailed pencil drawings, including this one of Charing Cross Road itself.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

One of our favourite model photographs in the collection, this dramatic areal view is of the Lofthouse Interchange model, made by Thorp in 1965. To view the archive's catalogue records, visit aub.ac.uk/thorp-archive

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

This 1947 model was made by Leslie Thorp to be presented to the House of Lords to illustrate Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's plans for the new Bankside power station. In the foreground, vacant plots mark buildings destroyed during WWII.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

An unusual photograph of one of John Thorp's Old London models being held up in the yard behind his workshop at 98 Gray's Inn road. The size of the model can be appreciated against the legs of the unknown modelmakers behind.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

A terrific set of photographs charting the making of a 1981 model of a new motorway proposal for Riyadh. Here the painstaking application of tiny model trees can be seen.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

This fabulous model is of Raglan Squire's design for the Rangoon University Engineering College Assembly Hall, made by Thorp in 1952.

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Thorp Modelmaking Archive @thorparchive.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

We're testing an expansion of our social media reach over the next few months by joining Bluesky. All our X posts will be shared there as well so you now have a choice of where to follow us. Search 'thorparchive' to find us!

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