Bunratty Castle inspired medieval diorama

It was love at first site the moment I laid my eyes on Bunratty castle during my holiday in Ireland. I was excited as a kid roaming around all the rooms, narrow staircases and corridors that connected with other parts of the castle in a way that seemed impossible. Right then I knew that a new diorama project was waiting for me back home. Six months later, the diorama is already taking shape while I continue to work on the remaining finishing touches. The diorama is done in 1/72 scale, on a 2ft*4ft (60cm*120cm) board.


Bunratty-Castle-Diorama


Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

It is a glorious time at the castle. The local Bishop is visiting to bless the church that is under construction. He is flanked by strong retinue of men at arms and a knight. The workers at the church are hard at work on erecting the walls, and the castle blacksmith is outfitting the solders for an upcoming sortie in the nearby forrest. Everything happens under the watchful eyes of the castle guards.

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama


Inside the keep, the life of its residents is in full swing, from the dread of the prisoner, the drunk guard who is off duty, to the joy of the dancers at the Earl's banquet. The lady is preparing for a grand entrance, the solders are getting their sins forgiven (just in case), and the kitchen is turning out dishes at full steam. The level of detail and liveliness of these figures is incredible. A shoutout to Valdemar Miniatures, who offer great variety of medieval figures with incredible range of poses.

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Grounds

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Rooms

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Rooms

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Chapel

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Lord's-Bedroom

Bunratty-Castle-Solar

Bunratty-Castle-Solar

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Solar

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Great-Hall

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Great-Hall

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Great-Hall

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Guards-Room

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Guards-Room

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Guards-Room

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Bedroom

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Pantry

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Pantry

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Garderobe

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Dungeon

Bunratty-Castle-Diorama-Armory

In total, there are more than 110 figures with about 15 more to go. Many details are yet to be added, and I know I will revisit many of the finishes that are not to my liking. It took significant effort to reconstruct the dimensions of the castle based on the available basic ground plan, with hours of picture and video searches to pull all the pieces together. There are few alteration from the original room order, to allow for a more comprehensive story to be told in the exposed side of the castle. I have also switched the direction of the solar (top center room), so it can too fit in the exposed side of the castle. 

I will greatly welcome any comments, feedback or suggestions and will continue to update the progress of my work. 


Comments

Phil said…
Amazing and realistic details, absolutly superb!!
DA said…
This is terrific. What material did you use for the castle walls?
Arsovski Todor said…
Thank you DA. The walls are made from foam board, which is covered in a layer of clay. The clay is then carved with stone pattern which gives the 3d look.

To expedite the process, I have built a stamp with negative pattern, that I have then imprinted on the clay and finished the details by hand. This made everything so much faster. I should make a post about this.
Unknown said…
Arsovski, this is amazing. I am a teacher in a school not far from Bunratty would it be possible to have a chat with you about this project?
Arsovski Todor said…
Hi there, thank you for your kind comment! I will be delighted to get in touch with you. Apologies for my delayed response, I was recovering from an injury and took a break for few months.

I can’t see your profile details to reach out directly, but please feel free to write to arsovskitodor@gmail.com and we can arrange the meeting from there.

Best wishes,
Todor

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