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Meet the man turning childhood memories into tiny worlds

Paulette Edwards & Victoria ScheerYorkshire
News imageLee Smithson Lee sits at a wooden desk in a well-organised workspace. On the desk, there is a detailed scale model of an industrial machine or factory setup, featuring green structures and intricate components. To the left of the desk, there is a stack of small labeled drawers, likely used for storing tools or model parts, along with a red spray can and a pair of scissors in a holder. Behind him, there is a white wall with framed artwork and photographs hanging on it. On the right side, there is a bookshelf filled with books and magazines, and a wooden chair is partially visible in front of it.Lee Smithson
Lee Smithson makes anything from homes to narrowboats and even the River Don engine (pictured above)

Working patiently at his desk, scattered with tools, wood and paint, Lee Smithson brings entire worlds to life in miniature.

The 45-year-old from Sheffield carefully crafts scenes inspired by everyday life, long-forgotten buildings and treasured childhood memories.

"As long as I've got a photo to work from I can usually recreate it," he says.

Lee's passion for miniatures began in childhood, sparked by hours spent building Airfix kits.

His knack for detail later led to a career as a clinical engineer for the NHS, but in 2016 he took the plunge and set up his business, Sheffield Miniatures.

In 2024, he expanded further when fellow miniature maker John Gittens retired and Lee incorporated JG Miniatures into his business.

News imageLee Smithson A detailed miniature model of a garden scene. At the centre-left, there is a small greenhouse with transparent walls and a pitched roof, which appears to be made of clear plastic or glass panels supported by a white frame. Inside the greenhouse, there are tiny shelves with potted plants arranged neatly. In front of the greenhouse, there is a narrow pathway made of rectangular stone slabs leading toward the garden area. To the right of the path, there are two raised garden beds bordered by wooden frames. These beds contain small green plants, suggesting vegetables or herbs. Behind the raised beds, there is a trellis structure with climbing plants growing vertically, adding height and variety to the garden. On the far left, next to the greenhouse, there is a small wooden compost bin. A miniature watering can is placed near the pathway, adding to the realistic details. The entire model is mounted on a rectangular black base, and the ground is covered with textured material resembling grass and soil.Lee Smithson
Lee had been making miniatures for years before turning his passion into a full time job

"He was selling up, so bringing his business into mine, I've managed to make it a full-time job for myself," says Lee.

He now makes models of any scale and subject matter, but says by far the most common requests are keepsakes and miniatures for toy soldier collectors.

"I make anything really, I mean I've even made narrowboats, but the main thing I make is people's buildings from the past," he tells BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I've done bakers, butchers, local corner shops, buildings that have been demolished even."

The man making miniatures of the world around him

One of his most personal creations is a 1980s living room, inspired by his own childhood, which took three years to complete.

The scene includes a yellow settee with a floral pattern, paintings on the wall, a TV, a glowing gas fire, and magazines alongside games like Connect Four and Monopoly.

"It's just literally everything I remember from my childhood," he says.

"I enjoy the challenge of creating something and making it look as real as possible."

News imageLee Smithson A detailed miniature model of a living room designed in a retro style. The room has patterned wallpaper with small floral prints and a carpet featuring an intricate geometric design. Against one wall, there is a yellow sofa with a floral pattern, and in front of it is a small oval wooden coffee table with magazines placed on top. On the opposite wall, there is a fireplace with a decorative sunburst clock above it, flanked by shelves filled with books and DVDs. A small television sits on a wooden stand near the fireplace, and there are speakers positioned on either side. Various items, including boxes, newspapers, and a remote control, are scattered on the floor. The room also features framed pictures on the walls, a window with a scenic painting visible outside, and two wall-mounted lights providing illumination.Lee Smithson
Lee has recreated a home based on his own childhood memories

But of course, no challenge is without its frustrations.

A few years ago, Lee's skills were put to the test when he was asked to create a miniature of the River Don Engine, which is on display at Kelham Island Museum.

According to the museum, it was the most powerful working steam engine in Europe and was built by Davy Brothers of Sheffield in 1905.

Take a look at the fascinating miniature working model of Shepherd Wheel

Lee says creating the small-scale model included "a lot of trial and error", with pieces being remade and sizes adjusted until everything was just right.

Another miniature inspired by Sheffield's industrial heritage, is a working model of Shepherd Wheel.

Dating back to the 1500s, the water-powered grinding workshop in Porter Valley played an instrumental role in the city's cutlery industry.

Lee's version is currently on display at Weston Park Museum.

Despite the acclaim his work receives, Lee is modest about his skills.

"I've never considered myself an artist but a lot of people do call me that," he says.

"I just enjoy the challenge."

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