A new BBC daytime series is set to capture the hearts of viewers with its intricate artistry and nostalgic charm. The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, presented by Sara Cox, begins on Monday, December 1 at 2pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
From Hobby to BBC Stardom: The Lee Robinson Story
One of the show's featured experts is Lee Robinson, a skilled model-maker from Huddersfield. His journey into the world of miniatures began unexpectedly when he bought a model railway set for his children and found himself captivated by it. "I started to think I could have a go at making some little bits of scenery for it, and I got hooked," Lee explained earlier this year. His focus shifted from creating functional pieces to crafting incredibly realistic scenes.
What started as a pastime has blossomed into a professional pursuit. Lee's primary work now involves creating detailed miniature replicas of people's homes, commissioned directly by clients, which he balances with his full-time job. His side business took off in 2020 during lockdown furlough, sparked by a viral tweet.
A Viral Tweet and a Lucrative Business
During the pandemic, Lee challenged himself to build an intricate model of a typical West Yorkshire stone house. After sharing his creation on Twitter, it garnered 85,000 views and a flood of requests from people wanting miniatures of their own homes. He now showcases his process and finished works on TikTok under the handle @lnr_models, where he has amassed 48,000 followers.
This hobby has evolved into what Lee describes as "a fairly lucrative side business." A single model house typically costs over £1,000 and can take between 80 and 150 hours over six to eight weeks to complete.
Breathing Life into Lost History on BBC One
On The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, Lee will be joined by fellow specialists Hannah Lemon, Abi Trotman, and Ethan Goodbody. In the series' third episode, Lee will undertake a particularly meaningful project: reconstructing a long-lost colliery for a former miner and his community.
Presenter Sara Cox expressed her enthusiasm for the series and its talented artisans. "There's something so magical about things in miniature," she said, recalling her own childhood doll's house. "I also loved celebrating the artistry of the miniaturists; it's fascinating to see them breathe life back into places that are no longer standing."
Lee shared his excitement about the show on Instagram, praising his fellow model-makers and Cox. The series promises to deliver diminutive yet powerful tributes to precious family memories and historic locations, proving that the smallest creations can often hold the greatest emotional weight.
